Year of the Dog

The ancient lunisolar calendar – which is governed by both the moon phase and the time of the solar year – has been used by many cultures for centuries. Holidays in the lunisolar calendar are marked by astronomical phenomena and often vary in the exact date each year. Chinese New Year, for example, occurs in congruence with the start of the new moon, which falls between late January and late February. Many other East Asian countries that follow a lunisolar calendar celebrate the New Year on the same day. These celebrations are rooted in cultural tradition, each with its own character and customs that are still widely observed today. In fact, communities across the world – San Diego included! – celebrate the lunisolar New Year with major festivals, parades, music, fireworks, food, and traditional decorations. Check out one of these local events for a wonderfully festive New Year’s experience!

Around Town

Lunar New Year Tết Festival
Feb. 9 – 11
SDCCU Stadium, 9449 Friars Rd.
Feb. 9: 5 – 10 p.m.
Feb. 10: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Feb. 11: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
www.lunarnewyearfestival.org

Lunar New Year at SeaWorld
Feb. 10 – 25
www.seaworld.com/san-diego/events/lunar-new-year

13th Annual San Diego Tết Festival
Feb. 16 – 18
Mira Mesa Community Park
Feb. 16: 5 – 10 p.m.
Feb. 17: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Feb. 18: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
www.sdtet.com

36th Annual San Diego Chinese New Year Fair
Feb. 24 – 25
Downtown San Diego, 3rd Ave. and J St.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
www.sdcny.org

Closer to Home

Chinese New Year Celebration
Feb. 6
Rancho Peñasquitos Branch Library
6 – 7 p.m.

Lunar New Year Celebration
Feb. 13
4S Ranch Library
4:30 p.m.