Internationally celebrated by many Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year arrives on January 22, 2023 and this year brings the Year of the Rabbit. Did you know that the belief that follows Lunar New Year is that people are born with characteristics and traits that are similar to the animal associated with their birth year? This year will be the Year of the Rabbit - gentle, quiet, patient, and responsible.
If you find yourself in the Alamo City during the Lunar New Year, here are some opportunities to commemorate the celebration in San Antonio!
Virtual Opportunity: ReCollections: Art Conversations to Stimulate the Mind - Year of the Rabbit
Image Credit: Dish Decorated with a Pair of Rabbits. China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 1661-1722. Porcelain with cobalt blue underglaze. h. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); diam. 12 3/4 in. (32.4 cm). Gift of Lenora and Walter F. Brown, 2008.21.40.
Where: Virtual Event When: January 21, 10-11:00 a.m.
If you're able to spend the Lunar New Year in San Antonio - and even if you're not - the San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting a virtual event to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. At ReCollections: Art Conversations to Stimulate the Mind - Year of the Rabbit, virtual attendees will explore the rabbits' role in Asian traditions. This event is free and open to everyone, but prior registration is required. Be sure to sign up now, registration closes 2 hours before the event begins!
San Antonio Asian New Year Festival
Where: Rolling Oaks Mall 6909 N Loop 1604 E When: January 21, 12-7:00 p.m.; January 22, 12-6:00 p.m.
Celebrate the Year of The Rabbit all weekend long at Rolling Oaks Mall. Commemorate the Lunar New Year at the San Antonio Asian New Year Festival and enjoy traditional and pop dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, food and arts & crafts vendors, and more!
Attend a Lunar New Year Celebration at Phuoc Hue Buddhist Temple of San Antonio
Where: Phuoc Hue Buddhist Temple of San Antonio 6292 Lockhill Rd. When: January 21, 8-9:30 p.m.
The Phuoc Hue Buddhist Temple of San Antonio invites everyone to join in the Lunar New Year Celebrations! Attendees will get to see a Dragon Dance and will be given an offering from the temple meant to signify a gesture of gratitude, longevity and prosperity. After, enjoy dinner fireworks, and great company!
Mochinut Celebrates Lunar New Year
Where: Mochinut 5222 De Zavala Rd #328 When: January 22, 2023
Have you ever experienced a Mochi donut? Mochi donuts are unique in their texture and shape paired with a soft inside, and if you haven't experienced these delicious donuts - you can at their Lunar New Year Celebration! Visit Mochinut on January 22, 2023, for Lunar New Year Festivities complete with specials on food and drink and vendors!
Chinese New Year Lion Dance
Where: Tim's Oriental & Seafood Market 7015 Bandera Rd. Suite 8 When: January 22, 2-3:30 p.m.
Start the Lunar New Year with a performance to bring good luck. Tim's Oriental & Seafood Market is hosting a Chinese New Year Lion Dance. The Chinese Lion Dance Association of San Antonio will be on-site performing an authentic Chinese New Year Lion Dance. Arrive early to get a good view!
Year of the Water Rabbit CNY Feast
Where: DASHI Sichuan Kitchen + Bar 2895 Thousand Oaks Dr When: February 6, 6-10 p.m.
DASHI Sichuan Kitchen + Bar is commemorating the celebration with Lion Dancers in addition to incredible cuisine at their Year of the Water Rabbit CNY Feast. Attendees will enjoy a chic bar with inspired winter-seasonal cocktails, profound top-shelf Japanese whisky, and spirits which phenomenal dishes by Chefs Robert Cantu, Fred Gonzalez and Andreas Imhof – all executing courses throughout the festivities next to Master Chef Jian Li. Purchase your tickets now!
San Antonio's Asian Festival Returns This May
Where: University of Texas at San Antonio Downtown Campus 501 W César E Chávez Blvd. When: May 27, 2023
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Asian Festival returns to San Antonio this spring! Happening at the University of Texas at San Antonio Downtown Campus, this year's Asian Festival promises to bring back favorite traditions that include hands-on activities to educate visitors with experiences that honor Asian cultures and explore how these cultures have helped shape our vibrant, diverse Texan cultures.
In addition to hands-on opportunities, performances and traditional demonstrations and arts & culture vendors will also be in attendance. of Though this festival was previously held annually each February, this year it will return in May just in time to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Arts & Culture in San Antonio Year-Round
San Antonio is proud to be home to so many vibrant cultures. If you are unable to celebrate the Lunar New Year with us, the opportunities to bask in a variety of Arts & Culture locations are endless. Visit San Antonio year-round and discover a confluence of cultures and fusions of communities in our beautiful city!