COLORADO, USA — Saturday, Feb. 10 is a special day for millions across the globe.
Asian-American communities will ring in the Year of the Dragon with community carnivals, family gatherings, parades, traditional food, fireworks and other festivities. In many Asian countries, it is a festival that is celebrated for several days. In diaspora communities, particularly in cultural enclaves, the Lunar New Year is visibly and joyfully celebrated.
For those in Colorado, this year is a little bit more special than the last. Following legislation passed in June 2023, it is also the first that the Lunar New Year is recognized as an official state holiday.
Although the holiday can technically take place anywhere from late January until mid-February, it'll be celebrated officially on the first Friday of February (due to official holiday purposes). It is also an "observed" rather than a "fiscal" holiday, meaning state buildings aren't required to close.
Colorado is only the second state, after California, to officially recognize Lunar New Year as a state holiday.
Here’s a roundup of different Lunar New Year celebrations, along with the dates and times they'll be happening.
Far East Center (Denver)
Location: 333 S. Federal Blvd. in Denver
Admission: Free
Dates: Feb. 11-10
Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This popular Lunar New Year celebration located along S. Federal Blvd. and W. Alameda Ave. is in its 33rd year. A mix of different festivities are scheduled on both Saturday, Feb. 10 and Sunday, Feb. 11.
20th Annual Colorado Chinese New Year Celebration (Denver)
Location: George Washington High School, 655 S. Monaco Pkwy, Denver
Admission: Free for the Cultural Fair, Taste of China and Marketplace; $25 for the celebration show.
Date: Feb. 10
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Learn more: https://www.denverchineseschool.org/
24th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration (Denver)
Location: Centennial Covenant Church
Admission: $15
Date: Feb. 10
Time: 2 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Chinese New Year Celebration (Highlands Ranch)
Location: Town Center at Aurora, 4200 E. Alameda Ave., Aurora
Admission: Cultural fair is free, tickets for on-stage performance section are sold out.
Date: Feb. 10
Time: Cultural Fair (12 p.m.-4 p.m.) and On-stage performance ( 2 p.m.-3 p.m.)
Lunar New Year Celebration (Aurora)
Location: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
Admission: Free
Date: Feb. 10
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Lunar New Year (Aurora)
Location: Standley Lake Library
Admission: Free
Date: Feb. 10
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Standley Lake Library. Enjoy a special storytime for the Year of the Dragon, followed by a craft session to add a touch of creativity and festivity to the occasion. Suitable for preschoolers and school-age children.
MSU Denver
Location: Tivoli Turnhalle
Admission: Free
Date: Feb. 13
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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