The Lunar New Year is falling on Saturday, February 10 this year. Cities around the world have been preparing for this multi-day celebration for months. For 15 days, starting from Saturday’s new moon to the last full moon of the winter, people around the world will ring in the Lunar New Year.
According to the Chinese zodiac, there are 12 animals that represent each year in the calendar. 2024 will be the year of the dragon, which is one of the most auspicious of the zodiac signs and a big reason to party.
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If you’ve never experienced a Lunar New Year celebration, you’re missing out. From the ornate floats and costumes, non-stop and energy, and of course, endless food, few celebrations on earth come close.
If you’re a surfer and want to coincide your celebrations with good surf, you’re in luck. Below are the top surf towns for celebrating 2024’s Lunar New Year.
New York City
With over 17% of New Yorkers identifying as Asian and nine unique Chinatown communities, including the world famous Chinatown in Manhattan, it’s no surprise New York tops the list. It’s also one hell of a surf destination, especially in February.
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If you can brave the ice-cream headaches and heavy beach breaks, New York is the perfect winter surfing destination. During this year’s Lunar New year, you may find yourself in the lineups in between the parties.
On February 10, the Lunar New Year Parade and Festival begin with the famous Firecracker Ceremony and Culture Festival in Sara D. Roosevelt Park. The endless events continue throughout the month, ending in the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade on February 25.
During the 15 day run of fun, you’ll get to enjoy workshops, mahjong parties, and plenty of dim sum, noodles, and moon cakes. For the ultimate foodie experience, don’t miss Sunset Park’s Chinatown in Brooklyn.
Sydney
If you want to surf breaks like Manly and Maroubra before partying all night, then Sydney is the place to be for the Lunar New Year. As the southern hemisphere’s summer season leads into fall, Sydney gets hit with Northeast windswell and large mid-period East swells and cyclone swells from the Southeast.
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While the coast is getting treated to consistent energy and generally good offshore winds, the city is cranking up with events and parties. The excitement starts downtown for Sydney’s Lunar Festival from February 10 to 26.
You’ll get to experience weeks of parties, live music, lion dancing and street performances, and of course endless street food. Encompassing the savory aromas and loud excitement are bright light installations and fireworks.
Don’t miss the dragon boat races on February 16 to 18. For some of the best food and excitement, check out Darling Harbour, Darling Quarter. and Darling Square.
San Francisco
Few surf destinations in the world can match Sant Francisco’s Ocean Beach in winter. If you’re looking for heaving beach break barrels and don’t mind frustratingly long paddle outs and the occasional shark scare, this is the place for you.
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The Bay Area is also ground zero for some of the West Coast’s largest Lunar New Year celebrations. Don’t miss the Chinese New Year Festival and Parade in San Francisco plus an entire month of events, including the Flower Market Fair on February 3 and 4 and the Chinatown YMCA Run on March 3.
In Oakland, don’t miss the Lunar New Year Parade in Wilma Chan Park on February 18. Nearby in San Jose, you can enjoy the Lunar New Year Festival at History Park on February 3 and 4.
Taipei
Along with the Lunar New Year in Taiwan comes the Northeastern Monsoon season in February. All along the north coast of the island, mid-period waves crash into the reefs, beaches, and rocky points.
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In the island’s capital, Taipei, things seem to slow down around the Lunar New Year. Most people choose to ditch the all-night parties for home-cooked meals and hanging out with family.
However, if you want a more laid-back experience, with the addition of possible good surf, Taipei is the perfect destination. Although many stores close up, you can still find plenty to experience during Taipei’s Lunar New Year.
After a morning surf, head to the temples throughout the Taipei region to see celebrations, ceremonies, and locals celebrating with their families. Next, don’t miss the opportunity to wander around the city. Without the usual traffic and congestion, Taipei becomes eerily quiet during the Lunar New Year and a photographer’s dream.
Los Angeles
Everyone knows LA is the epicenter of the surf world. With iconic breaks up and down its coast and within a two-hour drive, few places beat this region for surf, especially in February. It’s also home to one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations in the United States.
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LA’s Chinatown, located just north of downtown, comes alive during the holidays. On February 17, the neighborhood surrounding Hill Street and North Broadway and Hill Street will be packed with thousands of people for the 125th Golden Dragon Parade.
Nearby in Monterey Park and Alhambra, you’ll find plenty of events throughout February. Alhambra’s Main Street closes down on February 18 for traditional performances, street food stands, crafts, and family-friendly events.