It would seem that New Year comes but twice a year (this is common in the world - there is an Islamic New Year too!). The Chinese New Year (or Spring Festival), is easily the most important festival in Chinese tradition. One needn't go to China to see it either, one can celebrate it right here in San Fransico. If visiting China - don't forget to visit the Forbidden City (no it's not forbidden for tourists).

The Chinese first started to arrive in San Francisco in numbers during the gold rush. Every year San Francisco's Chinese heritage is celebrated in the San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade. It runs for two weeks starting with the first day of the Chinese New Year (the date varies every year). It also combines elements of another Chinese festival with Lantern Festival together with American parade characteristics.

Chinese Heritage In San Francisco

The Chinese have a long history with San Francisco. In fact, the Chinese have their own special name for San Francisco. It is known as "金山" - or "Jīnshān", Anglicized it's normally spelled as "Gum Shan" or "Gumshan". It is from the Cantonese language when thousands of southern Chinese came in search of their fortune. It means "Gold Mountain".

  • First Parade: 1851
  • Route: Begins On Market Street And Finishes In Chinatown

Today it is regarded as the oldest and largest event of its kind outside of Asia. San Francisco today is home to the largest Chinese population outside of Asia.

Attend this festival and see acrobats, firecrackers, a dancing Golden Dragon, local marching bands, and the newly crowned Miss Chinatown. Some of the highlights include lion dancers, floats, and elementary school groups in costume.

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About The Chinese New Year / Spring Festival

The Chinese New Year has a long history and is mixed with several myths and customs. It was traditionally a time to honor deities and ancestors (remembering ancestors is important in much of East Asia).

Every year in the Chinese calendar is assigned a zodiac animal sign (there are twelve animal signs in total that rotated year after year). Currently (for 2021) the sign is that of an Ox. The upcoming animal is the Tiger - so 2022 (starting in February) will be the "Year of the Tiger". The Tiger is associated with the Earthly Branch symbol.

  • 2021: Year Of The Ox (12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022)
  • 2022: Year of The Tiger (1 February 2022 to 21 January 2023)

The other animal signs are Rabbitt, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, and the Rat.

The Chinese New Year is a time of family reunions and a time for serious spring cleaning (to sweep away any ill fortune and make way for good luck). Gifts are normally given in form of "red packets" or red paper envelopes containing money. The first week of the festival is mostly family parties and gift-giving with friends and relatives. The second week is when the public festivities are held.

  • Sponsor: Southwest Airlines

To see the parade there are a couple of options. One can purchase bleacher seats for $30.00 or just line up along the parade route in the thronging crowds.

  • Firecrackers: There Are around 600,000 During The Parade (Bring Ear Plugs)
  • Golden Dragon: Considered the "Grand Finale", It Is Made In Foshan in China, Is 258 Feet Long And Requires 100 People From The Martial Arts Group White Crane To Carry It.

One of the fun activities for the kids is the Choy Suns. They will grace Chinatown passing out thousands of "Lai Sees" to the children. These contain a chocolate gold coin - some will even have money or a gift certificate that can be redeemed for a toy.

  • Choy Sun: The God Of Wealth (He Blesses Everyone He Encounters With Wealth)

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Next Parade and Calendar

Chinese Parade says of the event (also see their website for information about the festival, preparations, and applications):

"Named one of the top ten Parades in the world by International Festivals & Events Association, the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is ... the biggest parade celebrating the lunar new year outside of Asia."

  • Next Parade: February 19, 2022

The upcoming 2022 schedule is the following (see Chinese Parade for more information):

  • January 29-30: Flower Market Fair (Purchase Fresh Flowers etc. To Bring Home For The New Year)
  • February 1: Chinese New Year Celebration & Choy Sun Doe
  • February 12: Miss Chinatown Pageant & Coronation Ball
  • February 19: Basketball Jamboree
  • February 19-20: Chinese New Year Parade
  • February 19-20: Community Street Fair (Enjoy Chinese folk dancing, opera, drumming, and Much More)

China is a very different country than one may be used to in the West. See here for 20 thoughts every foreigner has visiting China for the first time.

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