PHOENIX — For more than a billion people around the world, including some in Arizona, the Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year. It is a holiday centered around family.
"Almost like Christmas, family getting together, sharing food," Boen from the West Valley said.
Lunar New Year begins on a new moon. This year it starts on Saturday, Feb. 10. The festivities stretch 15 days until the full moon arrives.
11 countries around the world celebrate the holiday. Each culture celebrates with different traditions. John Tang said his family eats what they call Chinese tamales.
"It's made of sticky rice and inside you have your meat, your vegetables, and so forth. In other words, this is dinner," Tang said.
According to the myth, 12 animals race against each other.
"All 12 animals, there had to be succession, they raced towards the finish line," Tang said.
The order of the zodiac animals was determined by who crossed the finish line. 2024 is the year of the dragon.
While Asian Americans, predominately celebrate the holiday, those in the community say all are welcome to join the fun.
"We want people to celebrate with us," Tang said.
Lunar New Year celebrations are planned this weekend in the East Valley. The Chandler Fashion Center is hosting festivities from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday and the AZ International Marketplace in Mesa will be hosting an event from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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