Rain or shine, downtown L.A.’s Chinese American Museum will come alive with musical performances, colorful lion dancers, martial arts, family activities and more at the annual SpringFest — formerly known as the Lantern Festival — this Saturday, March 2.
The Lunar New Year festivities start at noon at the adjacent El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, with programming until 5 p.m., organizers said. Among the activities include a special children’s storytime with the Los Angeles Public Library at 1:30 p.m., and a reading with Linda Diane Louie at the Pico House at 2:30 p.m.
Multi-cultural artists and dancers will showcase traditional and contemporary styles, sure to delight the entire family, SpringFest organizers said. Thousands are expected to attend on Saturday for the festival’s 23rd consecutive year.
“We really want to make it welcoming to everyone, not just Asian cultures… rejoicing in the Year of the Dragon,” said museum spokesperson Ellen Endo. “The dragon is one of the most important Asian cultural depictions, symbolizing power, courage, and good fortune.”
“Of the animals named as part of the 12-year Asian zodiac cycle, the dragon is the only mythical creature. He consists of the characteristics of many animals, including the head of an ox, horns of a deer, ears of a horse, body of a snake, scales of a fish, and the claws of an edge. He has the power to control thunder and lightning, summon wind and rain, banish darkness.”
Saturday’s SpringFest at the Chinese American Museum, 425 N. Los Angeles St., is free to the public.
For more info: camla.org
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