The Chinese New Year is nearly upon us and the year 2016 is the year of the Fire Monkey!
Chinese New Year Day of Fire Monkey Year is on Monday, February 8th, 2016, and in celebration of the year of the Fire Monkey we have a special Chinese New Year 2016 Denver event guide.
But first…
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, (also known as Chinese Lunar New Year and Spring Festival), is an important Chinese festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Celebrations traditionally run from the evening preceding the first day, to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month. The first day of the New Year falls on the new moon. The New Year festival is centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Traditionally, the festival was a time to honor deities as well as ancestors.
Why is Every Year Categorized by an Animal and What Does it Mean?
Although no known exact author has been identified by historians, the twelve animal zodiac emerged at the time of the Han dynasty, which makes the Chinese zodiac over 2,000 years old! When it comes to who invented the Chinese zodiac, one of the more popular legends regarding the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac involves the great Buddha. Buddha, after deciding to throw a large Chinese New Year party, sought to invite all the animals in the kingdom to partake of his feats. Unfortunately for Buddha and his generous invitation, only twelve animals chose to come. Legend has it that order of the animals’ arrival dictated the order in which they appear in the Chinese zodiac. In order, the 12 animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog & Pig.
Chinese New Year 2016 Denver – The Year of the Fire (Red) Monkey
Chinese New Year Giveaway | Outlets at Castle Rock
Outlets at Castle Rock are celebrating the Lunar New Year with a special “Red Envelope Giveaway”. Visit customer service while you shop and utter the phrase “Xin nian kuai le” or “Gong xi fa cai” (which mean “Happy New Year”) to receive complimentary red envelope gifts filled with scratch & win cards from brands around the center. The tradition – symbolizing good luck and well wishes for the New Year – is a gift from Outlets at Castle Rock to express appreciation for the center’s wonderful shoppers and guests from all over the world. From Monday, February 1st 2016 through Monday, February 8th 2016, from 10am – 8pm. Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd #437, Castle Rock 80108.
Chinese New Year by Babes Around Denver | Tracks
Bring in the Chinese New Year at February First Friday – everyone is welcome to celebrate at award-winning First Friday. Featuring: *Wine tasting and chill music in Lounge 35 from 6pm – 8pm . Thanks to Tracks and Krisana Barrett who will be your host. *DJ’s Markie, Stone Cox and Blaque Gurl will be dropping beats in EXDO (country 6pm – 10pm), Tracks (retro from 8pm – 10pm and Top 40 and all things dance from 10pm – close) and Lounge 35 (hip-hop from 10pm – close). *Special guest DJ Sosan in EXDO from 10pm – close. She will bring you some retro/Top 40 mixes and more dance music. *Dancing by the Wicked Little Girls. Friday, February 5th 2016, from 6pm – 2am. Cover charge $5 from 6pm – 9pm and $7pm – close. Tracks Denver, 3500 Walnut St. Denver 80205.
JCCC Chinese New Year Show
The Joyous Chinese Cultural Center is hosting its yearly Chinese New Year Show at Mission Hills Church in Littleton. The evening’s event will showcase the best of Chinese culture with professional performances by Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu Lion Dancers, a Chinese Magician, traditional vocal and dance performances by the students from the Joyous Chinese Cultural Center and more. Panda Express will be selling food in the lobby before the show beginning at 6pm. Friday, February 5th 2016, from 6pm. Ticket prices are $8 online in advance and $10 at the door. Mission Hills Church, 620 Southpark Drive, Littleton 80120. Purchase tickets at: bit.ly/1g3AhR6
14th Annual Colorado Chinese New Year Celebration (Year of the Monkey)| Denver Chinese School
Take a journey to the Far East right here in Denver and experience the largest and most exciting Chinese cultural event in the Rocky Mountain Region, the Chinese New Year Celebration. Enjoy two hours of first-class on-stage shows by award-winning professional artists performing Beijing opera, magic, face-changing, opera and folk songs and Chinese music; and by the talented DCS students, teachers and parents performing choir and dances; and everyone’s favorite, the lion dance and Kung Fu demonstration. Savor a variety of authentic Chinese foods, experience two and half hours of cultural displays, entertainment, music, artworks and crafts, calligraphy, traditional costumes, children’s games and more! Saturday, February 6th 2016, from 11am – 3:30pm. Organized by the Denver Chinese School and located at Calvary Temple, 200 S. University Blvd, Denver 80209. Ticket prices are $25 for General Admission and $50 for Golden Circle. Purchase tickets at: bit.ly/203ERRB.
Chinese New Year | Highlands Ranch Community Association
The Lunar New Year or Spring Festival ushers in the Year of the Monkey in 2016, who is a clever animal and is frequently compared to a smart person. Enjoy traditional music ,Dragon, Lion, folk dances and martial art-Kung Fu demonstrations. Children receive a red envelope, the traditional means of giving a blessing to the younger generation in the Chinese New Year. A Cultural Fair and Taste of China will also be on hand and will feature numerous Chinese shops,delicious refreshments and food. Saturday, February 6th 2016, from 12pm – 3pm. Located at Highlands Ranch Community Association, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd, Highlands Ranch 80126. Ticket prices are $8 in advance, $11 day of event if not sold out (children 2 and under free on parent’s lap). Purchase tickets at: bit.ly/203Ifw2.
Tao of Dance | Lumonics Light and Sound Gallery
In celebration of the Chinese New Year, learn how to use ancient Tao movements in your modern dance! TAO OF DANCE Qigong Workshop & DJ Set with Seraiah Doors Open 8pm / 8-8:30 Gallery Tour and Warm Up. 8:30-9:30 Chinese Qigong & Thai Fon Jeung Workshop 9:30-10 Learn to Add Movements to Dance 10-10:05 Freestyle Performance by Seraiah 10:10-11 DJ Set and Open Dance 11-11:30 Closing Circle and Goodbyes Snacks or Potluck Appreciated $15 Donation With Brian Seraiah Wood (Dragon Tao) International Instructor, Master Trainer and DJ Video Projection & Special Effects: Tanner/Billard. Saturday, February 6th 2016, from 8pm – 11:30pm. Lumonics Light and Sound Gallery, 800 East 73 Avenue #11, Denver 80229. Reserve your spot on their Facebook event page.
Chinese New Year Celebration Dinner | Uncle Joe’s A Hong Kong Bistro
Celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Monkey at Uncle Joe’s A Hong Kong Bistro. They will have a Special Menu, Drink Specials and Prize Giveaways. For Reservations go to: unclejoeshkbistro.com or call: (720) 330-8487. From Friday, February 5th 2016 through Monday, February 8th 2016, they will offer a special menu and drink specials and on Saturday, February 6th 2016, from 8pm – 12am they will host a party with a DJ and prize giveaways. Uncle Joe’s A Hong Kong Bistro, 891 14th St, Ste 100, Denver 80202.
Chinese New Year Celebration | Zengo
For the Love of Dragons | Into the Mystic Healing & Arts
Navajo ILLumantions presents: For the Love of Dragons, In collaboration with Beloved Essences, Navajo ILLuminations will introduce the Dragon essence line. In the class, participants will receive anointments of three dragon essences: Dragonheart, Mystic Dragon, and Master Galactic Dragon. Insight will be provided on each energy. A Dragon journey will be conducted to meet your personal Dragon guide. You will receive guidance from them in addition to a name. The class will end with reflection and sharing of individual dragon journeys. Participants will also receive a “dragon stone” anointed with the Holy Essence of Fire to connect with their dragon guide. Saturday, February 6th 2016, from 10am – 11:30am. Into The Mystic Healing & Arts, 720 14th St, Golden 80401.
Chinese New Year Celebration | WOW! Children’s Museum
Celebrate the Year of the Monkey at WOW! Children’s Museum with special events! 10am – 1pm make a Chinese New Year lantern craft and at 11am witness a traditional lion dance by the Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu Association of Boulder. Included with Museum admission. Monday, February 15th 2016, From 10am – 1pm. WOW! Children’s Museum, 110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette 80026.
Happy Year of the Monkey Denver… “Gong xi fa cai”!