Chinese New Year 2014: How are you celebrating the Year of the Horse?
Celebrations begin Friday in China to welcome the Year of the Horse. The official seven-day holiday is marked by parades, prayers – and usually pyrotechnics. But things are a bit different this year.
Revelers in China are being encouraged not to set off fireworks, due to concerns about pollution. Even though fireworks are an integral part of the new year celebration there, a survey found that 85% of Shanghai residents said they were not buying any this holiday season, The Times’ Julie Makinen reports.
You can see fireworks in Las Vegas, though – as well as three 800-pound horse sculptures.
Meanwhile, in Southern California, some shopping centers are getting more festive for the holiday. You might see a colorful dragon at the Grove or ribbon dancers at Santa Monica Place. Business reporter Tiffany Hsu writes that the ramped-up enthusiasm is a calculated move by the properties to appeal to the Asian residents in the region.
On Saturday in L.A., Mayor Eric Garcetti will be the grand marshal of the 115th Golden Dragon Parade, put on by the city’s Chinese Chamber of Commerce. It begins at 1 p.m. in Chinatown.
So how are you marking the Year of the Horse? Any traditions you have, parties you’re attending? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet me: @lauraelizdavis. And if you still need a little culinary inspiration, here are 12 recipes to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
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