Today, February 1, is Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival (I find this highly questionable given our 2 feet of snow, but I am assured this is true). This Festival typically begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar, and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, 15 days latter.

While today is not a day off for Weston Public Schools, it really should be this year since it is the Year of the Tiger – Go ‘cats! One of the best celebrations of Chinese New Year’s that I have attended was in San Francisco–now THAT was a party. Since I lived on the edge of Chinatown, the fun lasted for days. São Paulo was also a really good time though the Owlets were a little intimidated by the very friendly lions.

In Boston, you can catch the Lion Parade on Sunday, February 13 (more info here). The MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) in Boston also has a Lunar New Year celebration planned for Saturday, February 5, including art projects and lion dancers. More information here.

Weston does not have a Lion Parade nor any parade at all that I am aware of though you can head to the high school and watch our wildcat statue to see if he/she does anything cool. The high school’s official Chinese New Year celebration has been postponed due to current Covid concerns. Beyond that, I can only send you to CNN Travel for some interesting facts and customs of Lunar New Year.

Happy New Year!