The public is invited to ring in the Year of the Snake at lively Chinatown festivities this Friday and Saturday.
Chinese New Year Celebration
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii once again hosts activities for its annual Chinese New Year Celebration at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
Over 40 food, craft and cultural booths, free activities for keiki, Chinese lion dances and entertainment welcome all ages. The Cultural Plaza Moongate Stage located inside the courtyard of Chinatown Cultural Plaza will host the 2025 Narcissus Queen and Court, martial arts, lion dances, traditional Chinese dances, a high-pole lion dance by Gee Yung Martial Arts Dragon and Lion Dance Sports Association, and others.
There will also be a Chinatown Open House from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. Nine different lion dance groups will accompany representatives of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Narcissus Queen and Court as they visit hundreds of merchants throughout Chinatown, popping firecrackers and wishing them good luck in the new year.
"The Chinese New Year is the most significant celebration in Chinese culture," said Sarah Moy, Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii president, in a release. "This year, we will usher in the Year of the Wood Snake on January 29th. Wood Snake is associated with wisdom, growth and transformation."
Chinatown Festival and Parade
Chinatown 808 hosts its popular Chinatown Festival and Parade from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at Aala Park, in the surrounding Chinatown district and at Chinese Cultural Plaza.
A full schedule of events includes lion and dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, food and craft vendors, keiki activities, live entertainment on three different stages, as well as traditions and activities known to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.
“In many cultures, the snake symbolizes wisdom, prosperity, and transformation, and we are thrilled to invite the community to usher in this auspicious year with their favorite dishes, cultural activities, and more that honor these traditions and bring luck in the new year,” said Leonard Kam, president of Chinatown 808, in a release.
The Chinatown Festival and Parade are presented by American Savings Bank. “This festival strengthens Hawaii by bringing together residents and businesses, fostering community pride and reinvesting in our local economy,” said President and CEO of American Savings Bank Ann Teranishi. “Mahalo to Chinatown 808 and all event partners for making this celebration possible.”
The festival will feature the free ASB Keiki Fun Zone at Aala Park and on Beretania Street between Maunakea and Aala streets.
At Aala Park, activities and entertainment will be available from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. including free bounce houses at the ASB Keiki Fun Zone, craft booths, lion and dragon dance performances and martial arts demonstration. Bounce houses will end at 6 p.m. The Lunar New Year Parade will kick off at 4:30 p.m. at the Hawaii State Capitol Lawn and travel along Hotel Street through Chinatown.
American Savings Bank Visa® debit card holders will get to park at ASB from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and enjoy special discounts at 10 merchants participating in their Buy Local Program.
Those biking to the event can enjoy free bike valet service provided by the Hawaii Bicycling League.