Several Ways to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Albany

The Year of the Snake is not gliding in silently into Albany.

There will be two cultural festivals and a parade.

Thursday

You'll likely to hear "Gung Hay Fat Choy" Thursday at the Albany Community Center, where a free Chinese New Year Celebration will be held from 3:30-5 p.m. It will feature dancing, dancing, martial arts demonstrations, a dragon dance and gift bags for kids, not mention a chance to learn about the Chinese Zodiac and Lunar New Year traditions, according to a city announcement.

Sunday

On Sunday, Feb. 10, a free Chinese entertainment extravanganza sponsored by the Solano Avenue Association returns to the Albany Twin theater and will be followed by a modest parade on Solano Avenue. The live performances, from 10 a.m. to noon, will include dance, acrobatics, martial arts, music, and a lion dance. 

Both programs include dancers from Ah-Lan Dance, whose director, Ah-Lin Min, is the primary organizer for both events. Also appearing in both programs are songs by children from Albany elementary schools' after-school Chinese program.

Those who want to attend the Sunday program are advised to arrive early since the theater is expected to fill up.

Following the program will be a parade on Solano from noon to 1 p.m.

"Everyone is invited to join the Parade!" says the poster for the event.