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Lunar New Year Celebrations Set to Light Up Asheville

A festive scene of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Asheville with decorations and food stalls.

News Summary

Asheville is preparing for its vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations on January 29, 2023, marking the Year of the Wood Snake. Festivities will include family gatherings, cultural traditions, and delicious food such as dumplings and spring rolls. Various local events at Highland Brewing and J Chong Eats will enhance the community spirit. The celebrations are set to continue through February, with multiple food and entertainment offerings, highlighting the rich cultural significance of the Spring Festival.

Lunar New Year Celebrations Set to Light Up Asheville

Asheville is gearing up for an exciting celebration as the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, approaches on Wednesday, January 29. This year marks the beginning of the Year of the Wood Snake, a symbol of grounded wisdom, adaptable growth, and transformation. It’s a time when communities come together to celebrate family, honor ancestors, and indulge in fabulous food!

Festivities Lasting Until the Full Moon

The Lunar New Year celebrations typically continue until the next full moon, filled with cultural traditions and many symbolic dishes. As you might expect, the color red will be everywhere, symbolizing good fortune! Traditional foods play a significant role during this festive time, with dumplings, DIY spring rolls, and steamed fish being among the most popular.

Dumplings are particularly special, believed to bring luck and wealth in the new year. You can find delicious dumplings at J Chong Eats at the North Asheville Tailgate Market, with flavors like pork, pork and shrimp, and veggie. The excitement doesn’t stop there! A special Chinese Street Food & Night Market featuring J Chong will be happening at Highland Brewing on January 31.

Foodie Fun

If you’re feeling up for a culinary adventure, why not try making your own spring rolls? You can find fresh ingredients such as ground pork, mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots at local winter markets along with spring roll wrappers. And don’t forget about whole steamed fish! This symbolizes abundance and a surplus in the new year. You can grab some lovely rainbow trout from Sunburst Trout or pick from other varieties available at local markets.

For those who like to keep up with their favorite local markets, it’s a good idea to stay updated on their schedules. Due to the unpredictable weather, there might be some adjustments or cancellations. So be sure to check social media and newsletters for the latest news!

Exciting Events at Highland Brewing

Highland Brewing is packing its schedule with thrilling events! They will host a Lunar New Year Tap Room Celebration on Saturday, February 1, featuring an array of food vendors, engaging entertainment like dragon dances, and fun activities for kids. To add even more excitement, Highland will also hold a Lunar New Year Disc Golf Tournament on the same day at 6 p.m., complete with glow-in-the-dark discs and awesome prizes for the winning teams.

A community Lunar New Year potluck is also set to take place on February 1, emphasizing the importance of food and community connection, along with a bit of karaoke fun! If you’re a sushi lover, Zen Sushi will be offering a special Lunar New Year Roll throughout the month, and Pop Bubble Tea will introduce a unique Lunar New Year drink just after January 24.

Fun Promotions and Collaborations

If you dine at Gan Shan between January 29 and February 28, you’ll receive a Lucky Red Envelope coupon for up to 25% off your bill! What a sweet way to celebrate! Plus, on January 31, Highland Brewing will release a collaborative Honey Amber Lager featuring locally sourced WNC honey.

Not to be outdone, Lucky Envelope Brewing in Seattle will also celebrate the Lunar New Year with various events from January 28 to February 8, including special beer releases and giveaways. Their biggest event will be on February 1, featuring food trucks and limited-edition merchandise.

Join the Celebration!

The Lunar New Year is a time for joy, family, friends, and community. With so many fun events and delicious food options, there’s no better way to honor this special occasion than by participating in local celebrations. Here’s wishing everyone a prosperous and joyful Year of the Wood Snake!