The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, marks the first new moon of the 2024 lunar calendar. Falling on Saturday, February 10th this year, the 15-day celebration encompasses common traditions and welcomes new beginnings.
This Saturday commences the official start of the Year of the Dragon, the perfect time to welcome the new year with joy and excitement. Here are some recommendations of where to celebrate across Los Angeles County, and remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving. Please, drink responsibly this Lunar New Year.
About the Lunar New Year, Los Angeles
Marked by its arrival with spring, the Lunar New Year signifies the new year on the lunisolar calendar generally falling between January 21st and February 20th. Holding significant importance in China, the holiday is widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and areas with significant overseas Chinese populations.
Dates vary slightly across cultures, but the essence remains the same; it is a time to welcome spring, symbolizing renewal, hope, and prosperity.
This 15-day celebration features unique traditions with the highlights being the Lunar New Year’s Eve reunion dinner, a symbolic feast to bring good luck and fortune, and the final day which concludes with the Lantern Festival.
The Chinese zodiac calendar is a 12-year cycle, represented by 12 different animals, including a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig (in this order). Each animal is paired with an element and assigned to individuals based on their birth year. 2024 brings the Year of the Dragon.
The Year of the Dragon
Dragons, in general, are revered, symbolizing power, strength, and good fortune. Those with a dragon zodiac sign are characterized as charismatic, intelligent, confident, powerful, naturally lucky, and gifted.
The Chinese dragon is the fifth of the 12 Chinese zodiacs, possessing dominion over natural forces like wind and water.
There are also multiple types of Chinese Dragons, each assigned to one of the five elements, including gold (metal), wood, water, fire, and earth. 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon.
Wood Dragons are known for their introverted nature but are also successful leaders dedicated to their work. The upcoming Year of the Dragon ushers in anticipated optimism, exciting advancements, and opportunities for all.
The Best Ways to Celebrate the Year of the Dragon in Los Angeles
The Lunar New Year begins on Saturday, February 10th. Celebrate the holiday in Los Angeles with some of these must-do events.
Lunar New Year at Cayton Children’s Museum
Ring in the Lunar New Year with a dynamic performance and parade featuring UCLA’s renowned ACA Lion Dance group. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with interactive activities like lion puppet making, lantern decorating, and crafting traditional Chinese pellet drums. For more information, visit the Cayton Children’s Museum website.
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 10, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Cayton Children’s Museum
395 Santa Monica Pl., Suite 374
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Lunar New Year Festival at the USC Pacific Asia Museum
Enjoy a complimentary afternoon exploring the museum’s galleries and taking in live performances, such as a traditional lion dance, martial arts demonstration, storytelling, and more. There will also be other interactive activities the whole family can enjoy. Then, be sure to save some delicious foods from various food trucks. For more information, visit the USC website.
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 10, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Address: Pacific Asia Museum
46 N Los Robles Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Chinese New Year Festival at the Huntington
Immerse yourself in Lunar New Year festivities at the Huntington Library’s breathtaking Chinese gardens. For two days, the Year of the Dragon roars to life with captivating lion dances, mesmerizing mask-changing artistry, thrilling martial arts displays, and enchanting Chinese music. Indulge your taste buds with delectable treats – from savory bao buns to refreshing yuzu sorbet. For more information, visit the Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens website.
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 10 and Sunday, Feb. 11, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Rd.
San Marino, CA 91108
Lunar New Year Celebration at South Coast Botanic Garden
Lion dances, drum beats, and folk dances–there is no shortage of entertainment. Explore interactive activity stations in the lower meadow adorned with vibrant red lanterns. To further deepen your cultural experience, consider signing up for optional classes, like puppetry, tea ceremonies, and more (all are available for purchase). For more information, please visit the South Coast Botanic Garden website.
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 10 till Sunday, Feb. 25, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Address: South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90274
Golden Dragon Parade & Chinese New Year Festival
Witness one of LA’s oldest traditions at the 125th annual Chinese New Year Parade and Festival in Chinatown. This is a cornerstone event, as it winds its way through the streets of LA County, starting at Hill St. and Ord St., then finishing at Broadway and Cesar Chavez Ave. This iconic spectacle coincides with a lively festival in the Central Plaza, offering a full afternoon of good times for all ages.
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 17, 1:00 PM
Address: Chinatown Central Plaza
943 N Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Lunar New Year at Santa Monica Place
Don’t miss the special event of dazzling cultural performances and artistic displays bathed in the warm glow of traditional red and gold lanterns – a perfect outing to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The event includes Lion Dances, balloon artists, live music, and special retailer promotions. For more information, please visit the Santa Monica Place website.
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 17, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Address: Santa Monica Place
395 Santa Monica Pl.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival
Explore dozens of stalls brimming with delicious food and unique crafts, all set against the backdrop of captivating entertainment. Witness thrilling lion dances, awe-inspiring kung fu demonstrations, and other dynamic performances that bring the celebration to life. Don’t miss this annual event for a sensory experience that captures the essence of community and cultural joy. For more information, please visit the Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival website.
Date and Time: Sunday, Feb. 18, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Various locations in LA, beginning on Main St. in front of Alhambra City Hall
LA Chinatown Firecracker Run
Run, walk, or bike the historic Los Angeles Chinatown while supporting local causes in the community. Participants have the option of a 5k/10k run or walk, a 1-mile dog walk, or a 20/50-mile bike ride. Each course begins and concludes in Chinatown Central Plaza, where a fun-filled festival can be enjoyed following the activities. For more information, please visit the Firecracker website.
Date and Time: Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25, Time will vary based on the event
Address: Chinatown Central Plaza
943 N. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Celebrate the Lunar New Year Right–Drink Responsibly
Ringing in the Lunar New Year entails auspicious decorations, festive firecrackers, delicious meals, and a night of celebrating, making this the opportune time to stress the importance of drinking responsibly.
It is illegal to drink and drive in every state, and drunk driving accidents are 100 percent preventable. However, at least one fatality is suffered every 39 minutes due to drunk driving crashes in the US.
Consequences of Drunk Driving Accidents
Under California law, legal intoxication is defined by a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Therefore, an impaired driver is anyone who possesses a BAC above the legal limit, regardless of how capable they may feel of driving.
The consequences of a drunk driver’s negligence are dire and can result in criminal charges. Other legal disciplinary actions for drunk drivers include hefty fines, revoked driver’s licenses, and jail time. A DUI accident is also extremely costly. For instance, a drunk driving offense can cost over $10,000, even for a first-time offense.
A car accident caused by a drunk driver carries life-changing repercussions, both for the victim, as well as the impaired driver. Driving under the influence poses a serious threat to everyone on the road. Therefore, to prevent a drunk driving accident, do not drink and drive, and do not let loved ones get behind the wheel if they have been drinking.
Legal Options for Drunk Driving Victims
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, personal injury attorneys can help you recover compensation for damages.
This can include medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and emotional distress. An experienced car accident lawyer can deal with the insurance company and guide you through the personal injury process by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation: Gather evidence indicating fault on the drunk driver and proving severe injuries were sustained as a result of the accident
- Assessing full recovery needs: Financial compensation for all forms of damage, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses caused by drunk driving accidents
- Advocating for clients’ legal rights: Effectively communicate how the DUI accident and suffered injuries affected the victim’s well-being
- Exploring all compensation options: File a civil suit against the negligent party for damages, negotiate for maximum compensation, or pursue the best course of action
- Meeting deadlines and navigating the legal system: Ensure all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and before the statute of limitations expires
The legal team at Angeleno Accident Lawyers understands the urgency of pursuing legal action after a drunk driving accident.
Our drunk driving accident attorneys maintain a 99% success rate handling personal injury cases and getting clients compensated for their injuries and other suffered damages. By choosing to partner with our Los Angeles law firm, you gain the necessary legal support to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Here for Victims
If you or a loved one suffered injuries or other losses due to a drunk driver, Los Angeles-based Angeleno Accident Lawyers can help.
Our experienced legal team understands the intricacies of drunk driving cases and is committed to advocating for the best possible outcome. To discover how we can provide effective legal representation, schedule a free consultation.
We represent clients throughout Los Angeles County, as well as the surrounding areas throughout Southern California, including Santa Monica, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, Pasadena, Glendale, and more.
