Asia Society kicked off Lunar New Year this past weekend with fun family activities, performances, and demonstrations in honor of the Year of the Dog. Over 1,300 guests visited the Center to make Japanese greeting cards, build Korean shield kites, create colorful dog masks representing their favorite canine, and more.

Huaxing Arts Group entertained an energetic crowd with a variety of performances, including a peacock dance, Tibetan drum dance, and sand painting performance. Korean American Society of Houston joined in on the fun by leading a kite-making activity and challenging guests at yut nori, a traditional Korean board game played during the New Year.

Pondi, Pondicheri’s newly-opened sister café at Asia Society, served up some treats inspired by the Lunar New Year in addition to their usual innovative Indian fare. Hungry guests also enjoyed Asian-Southern fusion food from Wokker Food Truck and bubble tea from East West Tea.

During the same weekend, families delighted in arts and crafts presented by Asia Society at The Galleria.  Performers included Dance of Asian America, Korean Arts Group, and Huaxing Arts Group. The fun continues this weekend with additional performances by Sanggar Tari Citra Indonesia and Filipino Young Professionals of Houston on Saturday, February 24 and Dance of Asian America and Viet Wave Music on Sunday, February 25. 

Special thanks to Cathay Bank for being the title sponsor of the Lunar Year Family Day at Asia Society. Cathay Bank started in the greater Los Angeles area and was the first Chinese American bank in Southern California. Since its founding in 1962, the bank has rapidly expanded, with a focus on community and economic development, education, and raising awareness of social issues.