The Chinese Civic Association of Hawaii is celebrating the Lunar New Year with its first in-person public event in three years.
The celebration marks the Year of the Wood Dragon in the Chinese zodiac calendar, which will start on Saturday, Feb. 10, and last until Jan. 29, 2025. Wood represents vitality and creativity, and the dragon is related to success, intelligence and honor.
Nani Mau Gardens at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, will be hosting the Chinese family-style dinner, which will feature lion dances and martial arts performances by Saam Fu Chinese Cultural Arts.
“We are excited to host this celebration to ring in the Lunar New Year and bring our members back together after pausing our events during the pandemic,” said Dennis Lin, president of the Chinese Civic Association.
The Chinese Civic Association of Hawaii has been promoting educational programs and preserving traditions related to Chinese culture on Hawaii Island since the early 1990s.
While the association’s membership has dipped over the past few years, Lin hopes to bring back the Mid-Autumn Festival Dinner later this year as a way to attract new members and develop more events.
“The organization started as a group of Chinese community members that wanted to have some sense of camaraderie in Chinese culture and heritage,” Lin said. “Membership is open to anybody who wants to be part of the Chinese culture here on the Big Island.”
Membership for the Chinese Civic Association of Hawaii costs $10 a year per family, according to Lin.
Tickets for the Lunar New Year Celebration are $80 per person, with discounts available for tables of 10 purchased together. Tickets and the menu can be found at tinyurl.com/2p9f5cu9.
Payment for tickets also can be mailed to 120 Pauahi St., Suite 312, in Hilo.
“The event is open to the whole public and is a great way for people to come together to experience Chinese culture and traditions as we welcome the Year of the Dragon,” Lin said.
For more information about the event or the association, contact Lin at (808) 854-7025.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com
