Thursday, October 1, 2026
While Jan. 1 is celebrated as the start of the conventional new year across the globe, the Lunar New Year is recognized in many cultures to honor the start of spring and mark the beginning of the lunisolar calendar. In 2026, the Lunar New Year begins on Feb. 17.
On Feb. 15, Artists in Partnership hosted a two-part Lunar New Year event at the Long Beach Public Library. At 2 p.m., Patricia Shih presented her own “Let’s Go to China” program. Shih is a musician, artist and historian who created a captivating multi-century exploration of Chinese civilization and culture. Shih combines visual aides and hands-on activities to immerse participants in China’s history, art, music, and customs — including the Lunar New Year.
At 3 p.m., immediately following Shih’s work, the Chinese Center of Long Island gave a performance from their Traditional Dance group as well as their distinct Lion Dancers Troupe. The CCLI is a Long Island-based nonprofit organization operating for more than 60 years to share Chinese cultural programs, art, music, and language.
“The Lunar New Year celebration serves two purposes,” explains Joanne Mathieson-Ellmer, director of Artists in Partnership who has organized a Lunar New Year event for the past four years. “It’s educational and it let’s people learn about different cultures. It’s also an opportunity for families from the Chinese Center to come out and see their own culture in the spotlight. That’s important.”
Each Lunar New Year is represented by a Chinese zodiac sign — 2025 was the Year of the Wood Snake, associated with transformation and love. 2026 will be the Year of the Fire Horse, highlighting independence and intense change. Courtesy of Artists in Partnership, the first 50 families to attend the event received a unique good luck charm to commemorate the day.
