The rain didn't dampen the atmosphere at Santa Ana's Lunar New Year celebration held at the Bowers Museum last Sunday.
Despite the impending storm, people of all ages and cultures flocked to the museum to enjoy activities such as dragon dances, lantern decorations, and delicious food.
Lunar New Year falls on February 10, but festivities can last for a week leading up to the big day. The Bowers Museum got an early start by joining the festivities ahead of other events.
The event was expected to take place under sunny skies, but was quickly canceled due to a storm. After months of preparation, organizers were forced to move the outdoor event indoors.
“All year round, here and there. Booking art projects, planning, purchasing materials for art projects. All the logistics are different,” said Community Programs Director Genevieve Barrios-Southgate. “And when you think it’s going to rain, be prepared for it all to go out the window.”
Despite the bad weather, the celebration went off without a hitch thanks to the cooperation of staff and volunteers. Food stalls lined the entrance to the Bowers Museum, and lively performances and Chinese calligraphy art enlivened the indoor venue.
A highlight of the festival was a dragon dance performance by the Los Angeles-based organization JC Culture Foundation. The dynamic performance accompanied by traditional drum music symbolized the arrival of good fortune in the new year and the exorcism of evil spirits.
Beyond its traditional significance, the dance provided a mesmerizing spectacle and demonstrated the troupe's collaborative efforts to deliver an enchanting performance.
Charles Lee, chairman of the JC Cultural Foundation, spoke to Mr Southgate about his passion for young people to experience culture and be coached in performance.s.
The arts and crafts corner was lively, with participants lining up to make lanterns and learning calligraphy. These activities provided unique and educational experiences for both those familiar with the culture and those unfamiliar with it.
Decorating lanterns allowed people of all ages to express themselves artistically, creating an atmosphere of excitement and cultural unity. Sponsored by the City of Santa Ana, this event is free of charge and allows for wide participation and viewing.
“It seems like it's a lot more crowded than usual,” said participant and volunteer Daniel Lee. “I've been quite busy, and I was working on the lanterns a while ago, but I ran out of them.''
The growing interest in one of the most important periods in Asian culture is evident in the number of participants. Mr Southgate said there were so many participants that he had to turn people away, which he said was a surprise given the typical rain deterrent.
The harmonious sound of dragon dances and firecrackers concluded the event. Attendees continued to linger, taking in the final moments of the decorated museum and bustling stalls cleaning up for the day.
The city-sponsored event features a variety of Asian culture vendors from across California, including Oliver Chin, a San Francisco-based publisher known for promoting Asian and Asian American culture. Ta.
“Even though the pandemic is still going on, it’s great to be able to have events like this that bring people together, educate the community, and be more inclusive,” Chin said.
