2009 Chinese New Year Celebrations in Los Angeles

The Chinese New Year is a fifteen day celebration of food, family, gift giving and friends. Los Angeles has become the gathering place for people of all ethnic groups. With it's large population of Chinese Americans, and over 1.5 million people celebrating the Chinese New Year in Southern California, the Chinese New Year is a place to bring a part of home and deep rooted Chinese culture and celebrations here to America.

The Chinese New Year starts on the new moon of the new year, and ends with the first full moon of the new year. This fifteen day celebration unites friends and family members together, and is the largest holiday of the year to the Chinese. The Chinese also use the Chinese Zodiac---the organization of their calendar into 12 year cycles with each year representing a different animal. Each animal possesses various traits. The animal you are represents the traits you will have.

This year celebrates the Year of the Ox. People born during the year of the ox are often thought to have strong characters and can accomplish any task or objective with a strong determination to finish. They are also good laborers in home and work and often accomplish their tasks without gripe or complaints. Those born during the year of the ox are born with a knowledge that only through hard work comes success.

Festivities and celebrations will center around this holiday and the celebration of the year of the ox. Celebrations aplenty will be found right in the heart of Los Angeles. If you are looking for a fun time with your family, head over to Hollywood for a day at Universal Studios. With regular park admission, you receive a front row seat to some of the best festivities happening in the heart of Hollywood. Over 200 performers including dancers, acrobats, and singers parade down Universal City Walk and put on stunning performances and finish off the festivities with a colorful parade.