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HOUSTON, January 29, 2020 — Asia Society kicked off the Year of the Rat with family-friendly Lunar New Year festivities over two consecutive days.

About 2,100 guests welcomed in the Lunar New Year at the Center, where families learned about the zodiac animals, created their own paper lanterns, and enjoyed storytime sessions. In addition to demonstrating brush calligraphy and sharing red envelope traditions, Huaxing Arts Group presented dance performances celebrating Chinese traditions, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston led a community scroll activity alongside the Korean American Society of Houston's Jegichagi and Gonggi games. Lively lion dancers and dragon dancers from Shaolin Kung Fu Academy energized the crowd throughout the building, while Wei Cai, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Houston, greeted guests and gave traditional red envelopes to children.

Visitors enjoyed Pondi's innovative Indian-inspired menu in addition to Sichuan Chinese plates by Pepper Twins, snacks and boba tea from Café Allure, Cantonese fare by One Dim Sum, Korean-inspired fusion from Seoulside Wings, and Vietnamese eats by Mobile Mai's.

The festivities continued with arts and crafts, performances, and games at The Galleria on Sunday, where performing groups included Huaxing Arts Group and Shaolin Kung Fu Academy. The celebration resumes this weekend at The Galleria, with additional performances by Sanggar Tari Citra Indonesia, Filipino Young Professionals of Houston, Gamelan of the New Moon, and Dance of Asian America.

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Press Coverage

5 ways you can celebrate the Lunar New Year in Houston
Houston Happenings with Joel Luks: January 24, 2020
红红火火中国年 休斯敦华星艺术团精品晚会贺新禧
正月初一 休斯敦新春嘉年华年味浓
Asia Society Texas Center hosts Chinese New Year celebration
Houston marks the Lunar New Year
喜慶聯歡 休斯敦的中國年味濃

About Asia Society Texas Center

With 14 locations throughout the world, Asia Society is the leading educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and West. Asia Society Texas Center executes the global mission with a local focus, enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach.