Grab the ox by the horns: Celebrate Lunar New Year

Photo credit: Urbanite

By Robert Levin

A vaunted early-year cultural tradition begins again on Jan. 26, when the Chinese calendar turns to the Year of the Ox. In commemoration, a variety of citywide celebrations are planned, ranging from the iconic Chinatown New Year Parade to stage performances and special restaurant deals. Here are some of the highlights:

10th Annual Lunar New Year Parade

Feb. 1, 12 to 3 p.m.

Begins at Mott and Hester sts. FREE

The central event in NYC’s annual Chinese New Year celebration runs through the heart of Chinatown and can be seen from multiple vantage points, the best being on Allen Street between Canal and Grand streets. The parade features colorful floats, lavishly costumed marchers, smiling dignitaries and a variety of musical performances. A cultural festival runs concurrently at Grand and Chrystie streets from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Stories, Music and Art of the Lunar Year

Jan. 29, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

New York Public Library Seward Park Branch, 192 E. Broadway at Jefferson St., 212-477-6770 FREE

Mingmei Yip performs traditional Chinese music with the qin, a Chinese instrument, tells stories and educates about the Chinese zodiac and various New Year traditions. She also reads excerpts from her children’s book “Chinese Children’s Favorite Stories.”Folk Arts Festival

Feb. 1, 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Asian American Arts Centre, 26 Bowery, btwn Pell and Bayard sts., 212-233-2154

General $12, seniors and students $6, children 3 and under FREE

This is an interactive event in which attendees will be able to watch and talk to Ye Xun, a miniature figurine artist; Lin Yung, an ink calligrapher; and others as they demonstrate their crafts. Chinese and Tibetan folk singers perform too.

Bar Q Restaurant Tasting Menu

Jan. 26, 5:30 to 10 p.m.

308-310 Bleecker St., btwn Barrow and Grove sts., 212-206-7817 $70.74 per person

Bar Q Restaurant offers a six-course tasting menu that includes chilled salmon egg Chawanmushi (the egg represents a new beginning), pork and kimchee dumplings (meant to guarantee a happy new year) as well as many courses with symbolic meanings.

Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival

Jan. 26, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Roosevelt Park (soccer field) at Canal and Forsyth sts. FREE

The firecracker ceremony, performed to combat evil spirits, is one of the central events in the annual Chinese New Year festivities.

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