On Feb. 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Norton Museum of Art hosted a free Lunar New Year Community Day where people came to see dragon and lion dances, a traditional puppet show, and hear Chinese tales. The museum organized the event to honor the Chinese Holiday, celebrate the Year of the Snake, and bring Chinese culture to West Palm Beach.
Chinese New Year is an annual Chinese holiday that lasts about two weeks from February to January. It is celebrated to send out the old year and bring good luck to the new year. The celebration often includes firecrackers, fireworks, red clothes, and decorations, and it is a time to gather and feast with family and friends.
The most popular event was a dragon and lion dance, where people gathered in Norton’s Goergen Garden to watch the Chinese ritual dance that brings good luck and drives away evil spirits. Audience members were given “hongbao,” or red envelopes, to insert into the lions’ mouths as they came around, which symbolized good luck or a donation to the performance group.
Chinese Theatre Works, based in Long Island City, New York is a company that performs traditional puppet shows around the world at various festivals and events. During community day, they performed works such as, “Hao Bang Ah! Snake,” “Hao Bang Ah! Dragon,” and a story about the 12 Chinese zodiac animals.
Director, Kuang-Yu Fong talked with the audience between acts and created an engaging environment by having a Chinese audience member say the Chinese names of the zodiac animals as they appeared in the show.
As she spoke, Fong explained her passion for Chinese puppet shows and what she hopes to do with her theater company.
“My dream is to put Chinese theatre on the world stage,” said Fong.
Monica Ladd told the origin story of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals as well as the traditional take from the Chinese Opera, Lady White Snake in a way that was engaging for children. During this time, parents brought their kids to learn about why the Lunar New Year is celebrated and how it came to be.
Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Club A.S.I.A president, Mel Anton attended the event along with other students and club members. Anton’s favorite part of the community day was the dragon and lion dance because she loved how interactive it was for everyone.
“My favorite part of Lunar New Year is that it allows people from all cultures to be educated on this special day. Lunar New Year brings in a welcoming presence that includes appreciation and celebration,” Anton said.
Kyla Ann Faircloth