The Year of the Tiger begins on Feb. 1, 2022 and is celebrated around the world in Asian communities. San Francisco has its own take on this festive occasion. Here are some ways you can join the celebration.
Chinese New Year Parade
One of the grandest nighttime illuminated parades in the U.S., the parade started in the 1860s and has grown to be one of the largest celebrations of Asian culture in this hemisphere. Parade highlights include elaborate floats, lion dancers, folk dancers, costumed school groups, marching bands, stilt walkers, Chinese acrobats and a 268-foot-long Golden Dragon.
This year's parade will be held on Feb. 19 and will start on Second and Market streets. If this is your first parade, bleacher seats might be a good suggestion. Crowds are extremely dense along the parade route. If you opt for the standing room option, be sure to stake out your spot well before parade time. Arriving between 3:30 and 4 p.m. is recommended. Ear plugs are suggested for all ages; firecrackers are an integral part of the parade. Parking south of Market St. is usually easier; garages in Union Square will be impacted by crowds and street closures. Muni and BART are excellent options to get to and from the parade. And bring an umbrella. It will often rain on the parade, and it is considered good luck, so everyone takes it in stride.
Chinatown Street Fair
The San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce will host a two-day Chinese Community Street Fair, Feb. 19 and 20, with activities and entertainment for all ages. Enjoy Chinese folk dancing, opera, drumming and much more at the entertainment stage in the heart of San Francisco Chinatown. The fair will run on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Miss Chinatown USA Pageant
Each year, more than a dozen women from around the U.S. compete for the title of Miss Chinatown U.S.A. This year's pageant will be held at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco on the Embarcadero. Cocktail hour begins at 4 p.m., with the pageant at 5 p.m. and a dinner and coronation ball to follow at 6:30 p.m.
Nightlife at California Academy of Sciences
On Feb. 3, the California Academy of Sciences' weekly Nightlife event will delve into Lunar New Year traditions. Learn about the significance of Chinese tea ceremonies and watch a powerful lion dance performance by the Jing Mo Athletic Association, a Chinatown-based martial arts performance troupe.
BUY TICKETS TO CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
Where to Stay
Need to book a hotel room for your visit during the Lunar New Year excitement? Check out these great options in some of San Francisco's most popular neighborhoods that are close to the action.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LUNAR NEW YEAR IN SAN FRANCISCO
Best Areas to Stay Near the Chinese New Year Parade
San Francisco Visitor Information Center
749 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 391-2000
The Holiday and Travel Magazine
No comments:
Post a Comment