Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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Lunar New Year celebrations honoring the Year of the Horse continued over the weekend at the Mall of America. Thousands of people gathered to watch lion dancing, classical Chinese dance and live music performances.

This year, the Lunar New Year began on Feb. 17. It marked the arrival of spring and a time of reflection and honoring of ancestors. The Year of the Horse symbolizes taking bold risks and fostering creativity.

“Horse represents independence, freedom and, of course, a lot of energy,” said Xiaoyan Luo, an event organizer with the Alliance of Minnesota Chinese Organizations.

The Mall of America’s annual festival is one of the largest Lunar New Year events in Minnesota. The celebration included performers of all ages — from youth to Chinese elders — all representing dozens of local organizations, like Minnesota Chinese Opera and Twin Cities Chinese Dance Center.

Luo says the Lunar New Year event at the mall has been going on for a decade. This year, eight more school districts joined in to put on performances at the rotunda.

“In Minnesota, there's lots of Chinese and lots of other cultures to celebrate the Lunar New Year. No matter where you come from, we know United States as a country of immigrants, so it's very important to keep our own culture, to be proud of our own culture. We try to bring people together,” Luo said.

31-year-old Sarah Graves of St. Paul was one of over a hundred people seated at the rotunda watching the performances. She was wearing a pink yukata, which is a Japanese traditional dress that's similar to a kimono but more casual.

“Sometimes we get lost when there's so much going on in the world,” said Graves. “I think it's important that not only we keep tradition alive, but we let people know that it is okay to go out, it is okay to celebrate, it is okay to have fun and embrace culture and heritage.”

She’s already decorated her home with red ornaments to ring in the Year of the Horse. Graves has a Japanese father and was exposed to many Asian cultures growing up.

She was at the Mall of America event with her partner and says she’s excited to introduce him to the beauty of Asian cultures during the Lunar New Year.

“I love everything, but I think the inclusion of everyone who wants to participate is huge,” Graves said.

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Minnesotans enjoyed performances showcasing Chinese traditional dances, instrumental music and singing at the Mall of America for the Lunar New Year over the weekend.

Thousands celebrate Lunar New Year at Mall of America, honoring the Year of the Horse

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