EAT, DRINK AND CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

RING IN THE YEAR OF THE HORSE WITH FOOD AND FESTIVALS AROUND THE CITY

- BY TIFFANY TSE

ALHAMBRA LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL

ACROSS East and Southeast Asia, and throughout diaspora communities in Los Angeles, Lunar New Year marks a season of renewal. It's a time of deep reflection and collective gathering, as homes are refreshed, elders are honored and streets fill with lion and dragon dances.

Food is central to the celebrations, with dishes chosen as much for what they represent abundance, unity and good fortune in the year ahead-as for how they taste.

This year ushers in the Year of the Horse and not just any Horse, but the Fire Horse, a particularly dynamic pairing in the lunar calendar. The timing couldn't be better. The horse is traditionally associated with energy, momentum and reinvention, and when paired with the fire element, which amplifies passion and action, this year speaks to our desire to move, create and reclaim a sense of possibility even in the wake of devastating wildfires, immigration raids and widespread uncertainty.

While Lunar New Year officially kicks off Tuesday, celebrations in Los Angeles will take place all month and into the next, with banquet-style feasts, limited-time collaborations and cultural performances. Whether you're seeking a symbolic meal or a lively street celebration, here are 26 festive ways to ring in Lunar New Year across L.A.

Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival The Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival returns to Main Street on Feb. 28, bringing an all-day celebration to one of Southern California's most culturally rich Asian American communities.