The Little Saigon San Diego Foundation is excited to announce the return of its flagship event, the Lunar New Year Festival at Qualcomm Stadium. Scheduled January 29-31, the Qualcomm Lunar New Year Festival attracts over 30,000 guests from across San Diego County and offers a fusion of Asian food stations, unique vendor booths, carnival rides, non-stop live entertainment (including lion dances, concerts, and the much anticipated “Miss Asia” Beauty Pageant) as well as a highly acclaimed “Cultural Village” featuring breathtaking artistic reconstructions of iconic sculptures, buildings and landscapes from across South East Asia.
Celebrated for thousands of years in various countries around the world influenced by Chinese civilization, the Lunar New Year remains Vietnam’s most celebrated holiday. This Lunar New Year Festival observes the Year of the Monkey, an animal representing intelligence, mischievousness, curiosity, and inventiveness. These qualities, coupled with Monkey’s creative energy and playful nature, make 2016 a year of endless possibilities.
Highlights of the celebration include a unique mix of amazing Asian delicacies from such cultures as Thai, Lao, Vietnamese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Philippine, featuring exotic and luscious desserts and delicious beverages such as boba mixed drinks and smoothies. There will be BBQ ribs and kettle corn too, as well as vegetarian and vegan options for all to enjoy. There will be carnival rides for all ages, and live entertainment, featuring everything from professional performers, singers and bands, to our local potential superstars with surprising hidden talents that you would have never guessed. Firecracker and Lion Dance shows will be performed every day. Don’t forget to root for your favorite contestant during the exciting return of the Miss Asia San Diego Beauty Pageant. In the Cultural Village there will amazing replicas of famous landmarks and unique and unusual structures in Asia.
This year, free entry will be to everyone who born in the year of the monkey (bring your ID): Wood Monkey – 1944, 2004; Fire Monkey – 1956, 2016; Earth Monkey – 1908, 1968; Gold Monkey – 1920, 1980; Water Monkey – 1932, 1992.
The festival will also include a zodiac charms giveaway. The zodiac signs are determined by the lunar year in which you were born. Many Asian cultures believe the animal ruling one’s birth year has a profound influence on personality, and destiny. The saying is: “This animal hides in your heart.” Don’t forget to pick up your free zodiac animal that represents your unique charming characteristics. What is your sign?
Free mystic knots will be given for all online admission ticket purchases. In Buddhism, the mystic knot is one of the 8 magical auspicious objects. This symbol implies there is no beginning and no ending, reflecting Buddhist philosophy of endless rounds of birth and rebirth. The mystic knot represents a harmonious flow of auspicious energy uninterrupted by any setbacks, accidents or misfortunes. It is believed that the presence of the mystic knot will benefit every aspiration of your life: wealth, power, success, good luck, good fortune and an abundance of love and opportunities.
Admission price to the festival is $5-$10. On-site carnival ride ticket prices start at $1.25 for a single ride, but can be purchased in multiple-ticket sheets (most rides cost 3-5 tickets each). Discounted tickets are available on line.
