A Carson City tradition continues Saturday as the Nevada State Museum and the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada teamed up to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a parade, traditional dancers, crafts, food and more.
The Carson Valley Chinese Cultural Group, led by Xian Na “Sonia” Carlson, presented their signature theatrical performance in the concourse, telling the story of Lunar New Year through music and folk dance.
The traditional Lion Dance parade, meant to bring good luck to those in its path, led a procession at 11 a.m. from the Nevada State Museum to the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, where the Reno Chinese Cultural Group began a performance at 11:30 a.m. and is to be followed up by Carlson’s group at 12:30 p.m.
Admission to the Children’s Museum is $5 and free for members.
According to legend, the Chinese Zodiac calendar was established by the order in which invited guests — the signs of the Zodiac — had arrived for a Spring feast held in celebration of the new year. In 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake (or Serpent) is celebrated.
The Lunar New Year celebration, also known as the Spring Festival in China, was introduced in the United States during the 1850s by Chinese immigrants who joined mining camps during the California Gold Rush and later followed the Central Pacific Railroad east.
The Nevada State Museum is located at 600 N. Carson Street in Carson City with parking off Curry Street. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada is located across the street at 813 N Carson St, Carson City.
