Celebrating Lunar New Year in February is not for the faint of heart. That’s when I don my Áo dài, a traditional outfit worn during the holiday, usually made of thinner, cooling fabric. It’s a beautiful dress that I end up covering completely with a thick puffer coat.
The holiday not only marks the beginning of a new year in the lunisolar calendar, but it’s also a celebration of spring. We won’t truly feel like it’s spring for a few months yet here in Minnesota.
Fortunately, there are lots of opportunities to celebrate the Year of the Horse inside, which officially starts on Feb. 17.
Lunar New Year with the Minnesota Orchestra
Thurs. Feb 26 | 7 p.m. at Minnesota Orchestra
A trip to the Minnesota Orchestra is always a great way to spend time in the Twin Cities, but it feels extra grand on a holiday. The pre-performance is performed by the Carleton College Chinese Music Ensemble. There will also be a lion dance during intermission!
BLACK HISTORY X LUNAR NEW YEAR
Sat. Feb. 21 | 1 p.m. Register for event location
Organized by Golden Mandarin, this event both celebrates the spring festival and honors a month of Black culture and history. It serves as a call to action to support Minneapolis families affected by Operation Metro Surge.
Free Family Meal
Wed. Feb. 18 | 11 a.m. at Rainbow Chinese Restaurant & Bar
Eat Street’s Rainbow Chinese is providing free meals to anyone who wants one. Donations are welcome to help Minnesotans struggling to pay rent. Delicious food for a good cause.
Matcha and Button Making at Moona Moono
Sat. Feb. 14 | 10 a.m. at Moona Moono
Ring in the year of the fire horse at this cozy, cutesy neighborhood coffee shop in Uptown Minneapolis! There will be honey mandarin tastings, sparkling kishu matcha, origami lessons, and protest button making. Local brand Saturday Dumpling Co. will have frozen dumplings available for takeout.
Twin Cities Dumpling Feast
Wed. Feb. 25 | 5 p.m. at Peking Garden
The dumpling feast is in its fifth year! Dumplings are considered a lucky food on Chinese New Year since they represent ancient coins. Stuff your mouth with cash, and enjoy dumpling wrapping tutorials and musical performances. You’ll need to pre-register and pay in advance. Seems ideal for organizations and large groups of people.
