Chinese New Year is January 22nd this year. It's the Year of the Monkey.
San Francisco has a bunch of events going on...
Growing up here in the States, Chinese New Year and the Moon Festival was the only cultural holidays we ever celebrated. I don't even remember celebrating the Moon Festival until the Chinese bakery opened in my home town, but I have fond memories of Chinese New Year. I remember for my 12th birthday, being excited, because it meant that it was my special year, even if it wasn't any more special than the year before or the year after... it just felt more special. The last time it was my year was 1999, and something incredible and special did happen that year.
It'll be my year again in two years (2006). Don't forget the Dragon Boat Festival and joong, Winter Solstice, Qing (Ching) Ming and the Hungry Ghost Festival. =)
Since my family is pretty traditional, we celebrate other festivals that less traditional families in North America don't celebrate anymore. There are some other minor ones that we celebrate as well.
Vancouver has a lot of Chinese New Year events too. Unfortunately, I won't be able to go to them. Edmonton only has one event that will take place outside the T&T Supermarket at the West Edmonton Mall.
that will be taking place, I mean.
I haven't heard of some of these holidays. You'll have to tell me about them sometime.