Chinese New Year : Food, Festivals, and Fun!

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Up until this year, I can honestly say I have never made a legitimate effort to celebrate Chinese New Year. However, A few weeks ago, I got to partake of some new year festivities, as I had my first Chinese dance performance at the 2017 Atlanta Chinese Lunar New Year Festival.


As there were several different types of performances throughout the rest of the day, almost all of the performers were given the opportunity to be a spectator. So, after our dance performance, we were released to enjoy the festival activities. The highlights for me were the dragon dance (which took place outdoors), visiting the different booths with friends, and most of all, the FOOD!

The majority of the food vendors were set up along the walls in the same room as the stage, which meant performance-viewers and consumers alike were packed together in a tight, cheerful mass. My friends and I got separated several times as we squeezed through the crowd to try the wide array of foods. There was everything from bubble tea to sesame balls filled with sweet red-bean paste (I ate five of those yummies!).

I hope to go back next year to celebrate. The whole atmosphere is hopeful, as the air is full of well-wishes for the new year and punctuated
with numerous red-colored decorations (the color red is believed to bring good fortune). I definitely recommend this a fun, family activity.

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