Hundreds gathered at the historic Flushing High School on Sunday, Jan. 26, to celebrate the Year of the Snake during State Senator John Liu’s annual Lunar New Year event.
The festivities featured free food from local restaurants, live music, cultural performances, and giveaways, bringing together community members from across the borough.
This year’s Lunar New Year celebration holds special significance, as it marks the first time students in New York State officially have a day off for the holiday. The recognition follows legislation (S7573/A7768), sponsored by Liu, that was signed into law in 2023. While last year’s holiday fell on a Saturday, this Wednesday will be the first time the law takes effect, allowing students to observe the occasion with family and friends.
“This Lunar New Year is particularly meaningful as it is the first time students across New York State have the day off from school to celebrate with their family and friends,” Liu said. “This milestone demonstrates the importance of honoring our heritage and sharing it with our neighbors through music, dance, food, and community. The Year of the Snake, also known as the Baby Dragon, is an auspicious time in the Lunar New Year calendar, symbolizing wisdom, enlightenment, and longevity. Many thanks to all the community organizations, businesses, restaurants, artists, performers, and neighbors who came together today to kick off a happy, healthy, and prosperous Lunar New Year!”
Liu, who represents the 11th Senate District, serves neighborhoods including Bayside, College Point, Whitestone, Flushing, Little Neck, and Douglaston. As the first Asian American elected to the New York State Senate, Liu has long advocated for the recognition of Asian American culture and history in public education.
The event was co-sponsored by the REACH Coalition (Representing and Empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander), an alliance of over 60 community-based organizations formed in 2023. The coalition has been a strong proponent of inclusive education and has supported Liu’s legislation (S3334) to mandate the teaching of Asian American history and civic contributions in public schools.
Dignitaries attending the celebration included U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, U.S. Congress Member Grace Meng, New York State Assembly Members Grace Lee and Ron Kim, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, and New York City Council Member Sandra Ung.
Attendees were treated to a diverse lineup of performances, including the PS 203Q Lion Dance Troupe, Korean Fever, Inc., Ashley Dance Center, the Tarumi Violinists, the Korean American Youth Choir of NY, and Sol Sharp Music Education, which performed their song “Belong,” a hip-hop tribute to AANHPI history and culture.
Local businesses and restaurants contributed to the celebration’s culinary offerings, with food provided by Bell Garden, Brooklyn Food & Beverage, Coco Bubble Tea, Crispy Burger, I Shanghai Restaurant, Kyuramen/Tbaar, Main Street Imperial Taiwanese Gourmet, Ok Ryan Taiwanese Restaurant, San Soo Kap San 1, Shanghai You Garden, and Water Lillies Food, LLC.
The celebration served as a testament to the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year in New York, highlighting the growing recognition of the city’s diverse communities and the contributions of Asian Americans to the state’s social and political landscape.
