Chinatown gears up for Chinese New Year celebrations

HONOLULU—The City and County of Honolulu has partnered with a variety of Chinatown businesses and organizations to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit. A recent statement by Mayor Peter Carlisle praised the spirit of community and culture fostered by such partnerships. The celebration began with the Narcissus Queen Pageant on Saturday.

For the next two weekends, from January 14 to 15 and January 21 to 22, the United Chinese Coalition presents a Chinese New Year festival at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza, featuring food, arts and crafts, exhibits, entertainment, and feng shui and martial arts demonstrations. Also on Saturday, January 22, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce hosts the Narcissus Queen Coronation Ball at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

On Friday, January 28, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce presents a Chinatown open house for the 62nd annual Narcissus Festival, which will include a traditional lion dance blessing through Chinatown. On Saturday, January 29, the Chamber hosts the Chinatown New Year Celebration, a “Night in Chinatown Parade” and the “Night in Chinatown Festival.” The festival feature, ethnic food, music, and lion dancing. The festival will see Smith Street and Mauna Kea Street closed for an all-day block party.

For more information on Chinese New Year activities in Chinatown, visit www.chinatownhi.com.