U.S. Rep. Grace Meng has reintroduced measures to make the Lunar New Year a federal holiday in conjunction with a resolution to recognize the historical and cultural significance of the traditional Asian holiday.
Meng, the chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), has introduced the Lunar New Year Day Act in Congress, which would make Lunar New Year the 12th federally recognized holiday in the United States.
The measure, which has 39 co-sponsors, aims to recognize the importance of Lunar New Year to millions of Asian-Americans across the US.
“Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays for many in the Asian American community and is celebrated by millions in the United States and around the world. It is past time that Congress recognizes this holiday on the federal level, and I am proud to be leading the effort to make this a reality,” Meng said in a statement.
Meng previously introduced bills in 2021 and 2023 to make Lunar New Year a federal holiday. In addition, she has put forth a separate resolution recognizing the cultural significance of Lunar New Year for the Asian American community.
The resolution, backed by 50 co-sponsors, highlights the importance of the holiday and extends well wishes to those celebrating.
“As programs that benefit our communities come under attack, it is more important than ever to uplift the contributions, traditions, and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, and I will continue fighting to ensure their voices are heard in Congress. May this new year bring happiness, prosperity and good health for all who celebrate,” Meng said.
Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, celebrates the arrival of spring and the start of a fresh year based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar. It is celebrated in numerous countries across Asia, including Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore.
Lunar New Year is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. The date varies each year based on the lunar cycle. This year’s holiday is recognized on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and celebrates the Year of the Snake. Communities across New York City will host Lunar New Year-themed events over the next month, including traditional cultural celebrations such as lion and dragon dancing, fireworks, and traditional lantern displays.
Meanwhile, Meng also played a role in creating a school holiday for New York City schools on Lunar New Year, supporting Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2023 legislation declaring Lunar New Year a public school holiday in New York State. Meng first proposed closing New York schools for the Lunar New Year when she was a member of the New York State Legislature in 2009.
Meng represents New York’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses central and eastern Queens, including Bayside, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Flushing, Forest Hills, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Rego Park. As the first Asian American elected to Congress from New York, Meng has been a vocal advocate for immigrant communities, small businesses, and cultural recognition initiatives, including efforts to make Lunar New Year a federal holiday.
