Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Nebraska Chinese Association Gala

Story by Xitlally Velasco

Photo credit: Unsplash

As the Year of the Snake slithers in, the Nebraska Chinese Association invites you to an enchanting evening of celebration and cultural artistry at its highly anticipated Lunar New Year’s Gala on Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m., at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St. This event brings the community together to honor tradition, diversity, and the rich heritage of the Lunar New Year, Jan 29.

According to the University of Sydney, Chinese New Year is a major festival celebrated at the beginning of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the new year. It’s estimated to have originated in ancient China around 3,500 years ago.

The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle that links each year to an animal sign of Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

The Snake is considered the most determined of the 12 zodiac animals, and individuals born in the Year of the Snake are often thought to possess a mysterious and intriguing nature. The years of the snake include 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025.

The Lunar New Year Gala will feature mesmerizing performances with the magic of face-changing, a traditional Chinese art form that involves performers rapidly changing their facial makeup. The evening will also include music and dance performances by local groups representing a variety of cultural traditions, including Chinese, Spanish, Korean, and more.

The Nebraska Chinese Association, a non-profit organization, aims to preserve and promote Chinese culture and heritage, raise awareness of cultural diversity, and give back to the community by teaching Chinese and cultural dances to the youth and senior citizens. They also offer several services, from interpreters to passport assistance.