CYC welcomes the Year of the Snake
Lunar New Year is a time of joy, reflection, and unity for the San Francisco community. It’s an opportunity to celebrate shared traditions, learn from one another’s cultures, and honor the rich diversity that makes this city so unique.
In January and February 2025, we usher in the Year of the Snake, the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle. The snake is revered for its wisdom, intelligence, and charm—qualities that inspire us to embrace the year ahead with thoughtfulness and creativity. This year, the snake is paired with the element of wood, symbolizing growth, vitality, and expansion. At CYC, we’re celebrating in that same spirit, hosting meaningful events that bring communities together in joy and solidarity.
A cross-cultural celebration in Bayview
Every San Francisco neighborhood has its own way of celebrating Lunar New Year, reflecting the local culture and spirit of the community. In Bayview, Lunar New Year becomes even more special, as it is celebrated alongside Black History Month. This unique cross-cultural event, now in its 15th year, was co-hosted this past weekend by CYC in partnership with the Bayview YMCA and Chinatown Community Development Center.
This year’s event at the Bayview YMCA honored Bayview’s Black and AAPI communities with traditional food, music, dance… and an atmosphere of togetherness that makes it one of the most heartwarming gatherings of the year. For those who attended, it was an opportunity to experience and celebrate the vibrant cultural fusion that makes San Francisco so special.
Chinatown’s iconic parade
No Lunar New Year celebration in San Francisco would be complete without the world-famous Chinese New Year Festival and Parade. This iconic event, taking place on February 15, 2025, is a dazzling showcase of cultural pride and artistry. From elaborate floats and thrilling dragon dances to martial arts demonstrations and a lively community fair, the parade attracts thousands of visitors every year. As always, CYC will be joining the parade with a large contingent of more than 100 youth and staff. Participating in the parade connects AAPI youth with their cultural heritage, and for immigrant youth, cultivates a deeper sense of belonging in their new home.
As one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside of Asia, the San Francisco parade is a source of immense local pride and a major draw for tourists, bringing cultural and economic vitality to the city. Mark your calendars now for this unforgettable experience.
Unity on Ocean Avenue
The festivities continue across the city with another major Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 22, at Unity Plaza on Ocean Avenue. From 12 to 3 p.m., this street festival brings together local restaurants, performers, and community groups to create a vibrant, family-friendly event.
Unity Plaza’s celebration highlights the adaptability and resilience of cultural traditions, showing how they thrive in San Francisco’s dynamic, diverse neighborhoods. It’s a powerful reminder of how Lunar New Year is not just about honoring the past but also about building connections and fostering community in the present.
Wishing you all happiness and prosperity. 恭喜發財