Year of the Snake marks the first time students have Lunar New Year off from school

FLUSHING, NY (TIP): The Year of the Snake kicked off with hundreds of celebrants at the historic Flushing High School Sunday during State Senator John Liu’s Lunar New Year celebration. The Lunar New Year kick off featured free food from local restaurants, live music, dances, cultural performances, and giveaways.

This year marks the first time students in New York State have off from school, following its designation in the state legislature as an official school holiday two years ago. The school holiday was recognized after legislation, (S7573/ A7768), sponsored by Senator Liu was signed into law in 2023. Last year, the holiday fell on a Saturday, making this Wednesday the first time the bill will take effect since it was signed into law.

State Senator John Liu stated, “This Lunar New Year is particularly meaningful as it is the first time students across New York State have the day off from school to celebrate with their family and friends. This milestone demonstrates the importance of honoring our heritage and sharing it with our neighbors through music, dance, food, and community. The Year of the Snake, also known as the Baby Dragon, is an auspicious time in the Lunar New Year calendar, symbolizing wisdom, enlightenment, and longevity. Many thanks to all the community organizations, businesses, restaurants, artists, performers, and neighbors who came together today to kick off a happy, healthy, and prosperous Lunar New Year!”

The event was co-sponsored by the REACH Coalition (Representing and Empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander), which formed in 2023 with more than 60 community-based organizations to fight for inclusive AANHPI education and in support of Senator Liu’s legislation, S3334, to require public schools in New York to provide instruction in Asian American history and civic impact. Additional co-sponsors included NYC Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Congress Member Grace Meng, State Assembly Member Grace Lee, State Assembly Member Ron Kim, City Council Member Sandra Ung. Also in attendance were U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, and NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

Performers included the PS 203Q Lion Dance Troupe, Korean Fever, Inc., Ashley Dance Center, the Tarumi Violinists, Korean American Youth Choir of NY, and Sol Sharp Music Education, who performed their song “Belong,” a hip-hop song celebrating AANHPI history and culture.

Cuisine was provided by Bell Garden, Brooklyn Food & Beverage, Coco Bubble Tea, Crispy Burger, I Shanghai Restaurant, Kyuramen/Tbaar, Main Street Imperial Taiwanese Gourmet, Ok Ryan Taiwanese Restaurant, San Soo Kap San 1, Shanghai You Garden, and Water Lillies Food, LLC.