~ The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is gearing up to host a regional celebration of the Lunar New Year on Saturday, March 7. The event, which will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., is being organized in partnership with Refugees + Immigrants United and the Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado.

According to Nga Vương-Sandoval, the Founding Executive Director of Refugees + Immigrants United, the Lunar New Year holds a special significance for her as a Vietnamese refugee. She explains that for her and many others, it is more than just a holiday - it is a connection to their ancestors, homeland, and identity. Vương-Sandoval also reflects on her parents' struggles to preserve their traditions while rebuilding their lives in a new country, and how their perseverance serves as a reminder of their resilience and cultural heritage.

This year's celebration holds even more significance for Vương-Sandoval and the Asian American community in Colorado. On June 2, 2023, Governor Jared Polis signed HB23-1271 into law, officially recognizing Lunar New Year as a state holiday. As the founder and chair of Lunar New Year Allies Advisory Group (LUNA), Vương-Sandoval sees this victory as not just for her Vietnamese community but for all Asian American communities in Colorado.

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The event on March 7 promises to be an exciting and family-friendly affair with various performances, crafts, informational booths, and activities presented by local organizations. Guests can look forward to a Lion Dance performance by Gia Đình Phật Tử Nguyen Thieu and traditional Vietnamese cultural dances by Thiếu Nữ group from Gia Đình Phật Tử Nguyen Thieu.

Magdalene Mok-White, Advisor and Board Chair of Refugees + Immigrants United will also be presenting a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony while Vương-Sandoval will give a presentation on the origins and traditions of Lunar New Year. The Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado will also be showcasing their talents with performances.

In addition to the cultural performances, there will also be interactive vendor booths offering educational and cultural experiences. And to satisfy any hunger pangs, a selection of local food trucks, including Bowl in the City, will be serving up tasty bites.

To fully embrace the cultural richness of the event and community, attendees are encouraged to wear traditional attire from their country of origin. The event is free to attend, but pre-registration is encouraged through the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum website. This celebration promises to be a wonderful opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the Lunar New Year in all its glory.

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