Photo: Courtesy of Chinatown 808
Rin the Year of the Horse at the 50th Anniversary Chinatown Festival & Parade presented by American Savings Bank. Festivities include a parade, live shows on three stages, cultural performances, food vendors, local pop-ups and keiki bounce houses, providing a Valentine’s Day outing the whole family can enjoy.
Formerly called the Chinatown Night Parade and Festival, the Golden Year Celebration is organized by Chinatown 808, a volunteer group known for organizing signature events that highlight O’ahu’s unique Chinese culture and heritage, as well as the Chinatown Historic District.
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SEE ALSO: Ring in the Year of the Horse with lion dances, firecrackers, parades and more
Photo: Courtesy of Chinatown 808
When and Where
The Chinatown Festival & Parade will take place on Saturday, February 14, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Beretania Street between Maunakea and ‘A’ala Streets, as well as at ‘A’ala Park.
how much does it cost
Entry is free. Most sellers will accept cash and credit card payments.
Where to park
Parking is available in the Chinatown Cultural Plaza lot (100 N. Beretania St., entrance on Maunakea St.) for $2 for the first hour and $2 for each additional 30 minutes before 6 p.m. municipal lots nearby as well as street parking.
From noon to 10 p.m., the Hawai’i Bicycling League will offer free valet parking if you ride your bike to the event. They will look after your wheels during the festival, so you don’t need to bring a lock.
Photo: Courtesy of Chinatown 808
what to do
The festival brings new year traditions to life and encourages prosperity, good luck and new beginnings. Throughout the day and night, check out a packed lineup of live entertainment, including lion dance groups, martial arts demonstrations, taiko drumming, tai chi, kung fu and a K-pop act. At noon, tune into a cultural talk about the Lunar New Year to learn about traditional customs, the symbolism behind lion and dragon dances, and the significance of certain foods.
Families will enjoy free bounce houses, crafts and activities at the Keiki Fun Zone in ‘A’ala Park from 9 am to 5 pm. In keeping with the Year of the Horse theme, there will also be a petting zoo with ponies and donkeys, as well as an inflatable display of zodiac horses for photos.
Photo: Courtesy of Chinatown 808
Watch the highly anticipated parade that begins at 4:30 PM at the Hawaii State Capitol and continues down Hotel Street to River Street. You can expect lion and dragon dance groups, pageant queens and courts, cultural organizations, kung fu martial arts groups and local dignitaries, led by Grand Marshal Senator Karl Rhoads.
Photo: Courtesy of Chinatown 808
schedule
9 a.m Opening Lion Dance & Firecrackers in front of the American Savings Bank
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Audible zone for boys around the ‘tower’
11 a.m The stage entertainment begins
4:30 p.m parade
6 in the afternoon Evening ceremonies at ‘A’ala Park Stage
9 p.m Closing Lion Dances
Photo: Courtesy of Chinatown 808
What to eat and buy
Snack on popular New Year treats such as jin dui, which symbolizes wealth and good fortune, and nian gao, which represents growth and success, served by Chinatown vendors. There will also be modern cultural combinations and a variety of local food establishments, including Leeward Drive Inn, Pop Culture Artisan Pops and Waialua BBQ.
Shop for good luck jade charms, lucky red paper messages, Year of the Horse calendars and t-shirts. Local retailers will also sell jewelry, clothing, and crafts. More than 40 vendors have been confirmed. American Savings Bank customers will receive discounts at 10 select providers when they use their ASB Debit Card.
Photo: Courtesy of Chinatown 808
Food and beverage vendors
- Aloha Scoops
- Apron Boys
- Kitchen to rub the belly
- Beta Beta Gamma Foundation
- Bing Bros Hawaii
- Blue Teppanyaki Truck
- Boom Boom Te
- Corner Rolls
- Onoz corn
- From Hub Truck
- Drinkup Cafe
- Fryer Em Up
- HanaPa’a Market
- Hawaiian cane juice
- Hawaiian honey cones
- HottPot stickers
- Jay’s Sushi
- Khao and Papas
- Laotian style creations
- The oven tower
- Leeward Drive Inn
- Legend seafood restaurant
- Milky Way shaving gel
- Nabeya Maido
- Olay’s Thai Lao Express
- Culture Pop Pops Artisans
- Onolicious Local Food by Reecie B
- welcome
- Shaka Shaka Tea Express
- smoked
- Str’Eats by Aloha
- Eat on the street
- Sue Wah Wut
- Kane Juice by Sugah Daddeh
- Sugar Mommy
- sweet revenge
- Taco Kellz
- Ta-ma-da Sweets
- Teapress Bar
- Waialua BBQ
- Wrap and Roll Lunchwagon
Craft vendors and retailers
- Aloha Angel Collection
- Ben Franklin Crafts
- Flower Fair
- Commerce of Gràcia
- happy women
- Momo Terrascapes
- Old Taku
- The henna hut
- The t-shirt outlet
Photo: Courtesy of Chinatown 808
Tips
- Wear casual and comfortable clothes suitable for walking and enjoying the festivities. You can also dress up in festive clothes, red or other bright colors to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
- Bring cash for vendors and to feed the Chinese lions for luck, plus reusable shopping bags.
- To ensure a good spot to watch the parade on the hotel street, arrive early (at least 4:10 p.m.).
- Find a table at the ‘A’ala Park Rest Tent to enjoy food purchased from vendors.
- Be sure to take a selfie in front of the Year of the Horse display!
Chinatown Festival and Parade, Saturday, February 14, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Beretania St. between Maunakea St. and ‘A’ala St., Chinatown808.com, @chinatown808hi
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
