Phoenix rings in Year of the Snake at Lunar New Year Festival

Colorful Chinese tchotchkes that bring luck and continue traditions were for sale. Olivia Williams/Cronkite News

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Colorful performances, traditional music and savory Asian food highlighted the Lunar New Year Festival on Feb. 1 and 2 at Steele Indian School Park. The nonprofit Phoenix Chinese Week sponsors the festival every year as a way to promote and educate residents about Asian culture.

In addition to lion dances, martial arts demonstrations and calligraphy lessons, participants learned how to use chopsticks, heard music performances with traditional Chinese instruments and enjoyed other hands-on activities. The festival also offered a diverse selection of Asian cuisine and cultural exhibits.


Local artist Charlotte Yiu shared her passion for Chinese art. “I am here today displaying my Chinese calligraphy and cat-inspired paintings that I have been working on for the past few years,” she said.

The Lunar New Year Festival began Jan. 29 with the new moon and continues until the next new moon. In traditional Asian communities, the holiday is a time for visits with family and feasting. According to the Chinese calendar, this year is the Year of the Snake. The first local Lunar New Year Festival was in 1991 at Patriots’ Park in downtown Phoenix.

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

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Francisco Ochoa with Island Noodles cooks wok-fired soba noodles.

Olivia Williams/Cronkite News

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Dylan Doucet with ActivStars Athletics holds the dragon during a dragon dance at the Phoenix Chinese Week Lunar New Year Festival on Feb. 2.

Olivia Williams/Cronkite News

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As the dragon dance comes to an end, confetti fills the air. Dylan Doucet with ActivStars Athletics carries the dragon.

Olivia Williams/Cronkite News

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Local chefs grill chicken for guests.

Olivia Williams/Cronkite News

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Local Chinese artist Charlotte Yiu displays traditional Chinese calligraphy.

Olivia Williams/Cronkite News

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Julius Szakolczai displays yo-yo skills.

Olivia Williams/Cronkite News

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Chinese art is displayed at the festival.

Olivia Williams/Cronkite News

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Musicians strum on guzhengs, a Chinese instrument similar to a zither.

Olivia Williams/Cronkite News