Celebrating Lunar New Year 2024: Embracing Tradition and Renewal in California

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media (CBM) – In California, the Lunar New Year presents an opportunity for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities to come together in celebration, marking a time of renewal, tradition, and cultural significance. This year, the festivities span more than two weeks, starting on February 10, with traditions and celebrations being observed throughout the state. The Lunar New Year is a festive season that holds significant cultural and astrological meaning. It follows the lunisolar calendar and welcomes the beginning of spring, the first new moon of the lunar calendar, and the changing of the zodiac sign. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon In Sept. 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2596, officially recognizing Lunar New Year as a California state holiday. “I am immensely proud of the richness of diversity and backgrounds represented in our state and understand the importance of wanting to see one’s own experience reflected in state holidays,” Newsom said in a statement at the time. In proclaiming Feb 10, 2024, as “Lunar New Year”, Newsom said, “Let us show support and solidarity for our AAPI friends, family and neighbors and recognize their irreplaceable contributions...