On Saturday, February 10th, the USC Pacific Asia Museum (USC PAM) located in Pasadena will host its annual Lunar New Year celebration, welcoming families to usher in the Year of the Dragon with a day filled with live performances, engaging art activities, and a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. The event, free and open to the public, promises to be a vibrant homage to the auspicious occasion.
Valentina Quezada, Education & Engagement Manager at USC Pacific Asia Museum, highlighted the significance of the Year of the Dragon in Chinese culture, noting its esteemed status and symbolic representation of positive attributes such as power, strength, good fortune, and wisdom. She expressed anticipation for the prosperity and progress the year holds for all.
Quezada encouraged attendees of “Lunar New Year@PAM” to delve into the museum’s permanent galleries, which feature an array of artworks showcasing dragons. Additionally, the special exhibition titled “Another Beautiful Country” offers visitors an opportunity to explore diverse perspectives from artists of Chinese American heritage or the Chinese diaspora.
In a bid to embrace the multicultural essence of the Lunar New Year, Quezada emphasized the selection of performers representing various cultures, including dance groups from Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, alongside the traditional Chinese lion dance.
Aligning with USC Pacific Asia Museum’s mission of fostering intercultural understanding, Quezada underscored the importance of creating a space where visitors can learn about the holiday’s significance across different cultures and forge new traditions with their families.
To ensure a comprehensive and immersive experience for attendees, USC PAM will activate both the parking lot and museum courtyard, offering a plethora of engaging activities. Quezada encouraged early arrival to ensure participants don’t miss out on any of the festivities.
Among the lineup of performers for this year’s Lunar New Year celebration are opera soprano Shirley Wang, the Lan Nartthasin Thai Dance Group LA, and UCLA’s Vietnamese Traditional Dance. Collaborations with the Altadena Public Library for a special storytime session and Barnsdal Arts for Dragon craft art activities and calligraphy further enrich the event.
With a focus on visitor safety and comfort, Quezada assured attendees that ample security and staff would be present to address any needs. After several years of virtual and scaled-down programs, USC PAM is thrilled to welcome back its Lunar New Year event in full scale, promising an unforgettable celebration of culture and tradition.
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