Ring in the Year of the Pig with Chinatown Festivities

POSTED FEB. 2, 2007

Lunar New Year 4705, the Year of the Pig, is upon us. Here’s a rundown of activities and festivities taking place throughout the month in Chinatown in preparation for the big day, which falls on Feb. 18. Unless otherwise noted, the events are sponsored by the Museum of Chinese in the Americas (MoCA), 70 Mulberry St., 2nd fl. For  information, call 212-619-4785 or go to www.moca-nyc.org.

Lunar New Year Flower Market
In Chinese culture, flowers are symbolic of growth, prosperity and fortune. Azaleas, dahlias, chrysanthemums, peach and plum blossoms, peonies, narcissus and small orange trees are some of the plants that will be for sale at the flower market. Artists and performers will also perform throughout the two-day event. There is no admission fee to the market, which will take place in Columbus Park, on Mulberry Street between Worth and Bayard Streets on Feb. 16, from noon to 10 p.m., and on Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival
Firecrackers will be set off in Chinatown on the first day of the New Year, a traditional practice believed to ward off evil spirits. After opening ceremonies, Lion, Dragon and Unicorn dance troupes will march down the main streets of Chinatown. Traditional and contemporary singers and dancers will perform all day.  The event will take place on Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Chatham Square, at the intersection of Bowery, Mott, and East Broadway. Organized by the Better Chinatown Society.

Preparing for the New Year: Calligraphy 
Children will be shown the basics of calligraphy to create their own “couplet.” “Couplets” are a pair of posters with lucky phrases written on them, used to decorate doorways during the Lunar New Year. For children between the ages of 5 and 12. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $2 for adults, and $1 for students and seniors 65 years and older with ID. Workshops take place on Feb. 3, 10 and 24,  from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Simple Chinese Cooking
Kylie Kwong will speak about her newest book “Simple Chinese Cooking.” Kwong, who is Australian-Chinese, learned Cantonese cooking from her mother’s family. She went on to have her own cooking show,  and is the author of several cookbooks. The talk will take place on Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Museum of Chinese in the Americas, 70 Mulberry St, 2nd fl. Admission is $5; RSVP is required. Call 212-619-4785 or e-mail info@moca-nyc.org by Feb. 13. A Q&A and book signing will follow the talk.

Peking Duck Dinner
Food is an important part of the Lunar New Year festivities. The cost for the duck dinner plus prizes is $80. Reservations and advance payment are required. Contact Kristin Hokoyama at 212-619-4785 or khokoyama@moca-nyc.org by Feb. 12 for reservations. The dinner will take place at Peking Duck House, 28 Mott St. on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

Lunar New Year Walking Tour 
Docents from the Museum of Chinese in the Americas who have personal roots in the neighborhood will lead walking tours of Chinatown on weekends throughout the month. Participants will learn about holiday traditions and the area’s history, and sample New Year’s treats. The tour is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and is free for children 5 and under. Reservations are required. Call 212-619-4785. Tours depart from the Museum of Chinese in the Americas, 70 Mulberry St., 2nd fl. on Feb. 3, 4, 10, 11, and 17 at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. 

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