In China, this time of year is cold as the natural world hovers near spring. New Year Day is the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese culture is a long and deep one, and the rich traditions associated with this event are worth seeing. Find an event around Albuquerque for Chinese New Year.
Chinese Culture Center
427 Adams SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
(505) 268-7023
The Chinese Culture Center puts on a show involving Kung Fu and Tai Chi demonstrations, lion and dragon dances and a firecracker finale. Adult and children who are martial arts students at the center put on the show, led by Sifu Lin. There will be ribbon dances, sword demonstrations and mock martial arts fights.
This show becomes better known with each year, so if you plan to go, go early. If you need a seat, getting there early is a must. Seats are set up only in the front entry area, so most visitors stand. It's well worth seeing, especially the children, who dress in dragon and lion costumes, perform Kung Fu moves, and wander the stage as little monkeys. The drumming and firecrackers at the end bring in the new year with a bang. For our family, seeing this show is an annual tradition.
When: Sunday, February 10, 12:30 p.m.
Talin Market
88 Louisiana Blvd SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
(505) 268-0206
505 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, NM
Ta Lin market in Albuquerque's International District is one of our family's favorite places to shop. They have many items if you decide to have your own Chinese New Year celebration, from posters to candies to trinkets for the kids. And for Santa Fe fans, Talin will open a new store there in February 2013.
Ta Lin will have lion dance performances at the front of its stores in celebration of Chinese New Year. See the Quang Minh Lion Dance Team perform.
When: February 9 at noon, February 10 at 1 p.m. at Albuquerque location.
When: February 9 at 2:30 at its Santa Fe location.
