The Year of the rat: Lunar New Year in MTPK
January 24, 2020
As New Yorkers, we’re all too familiar with rats. And while we may have our own association with the rodent, in Chinese culture, rats are the first sign of the zodiac and were seen as a sign of wealth and surplus. This Lunar New Year is the Year of the Rat and it’s time to celebrate this cunning, quick-witted, and resourceful animal.
The famed Asian market is having their annual extravaganza with a long list of fun to celebrate.
Sunday, January 26 in Chelsea Market
- Ribbon Dance (3:00–3:30) A beautiful and ancient art performed by Chinese dance specialist, Ling Tang.
- Gordon & Li Li Celebrate Lunar New Year (3:30–4:15) Michelle Wong McSween will be on hand to read from her new book, Gordon & Li Li Celebrate Chinese New Year, sign books, and lead an arts and crafts workshop.
- Lion Dance (4:30–5:00) The piece de resistance of any Lunar New Year celebration. The renowned Wan Chi Ming lion dance troupe will rock the market with their festive drumming and acrobatics.
- Dumpling Tasting & Happy Hour (5:00–6:00) Join for bites by Mao’s Bao, drinks by Brooklyn Crafted and Hokkaido Brewing, and shopping
A special pop up menu of Chinese specialties with Spanish infusion will be available at the restaurant on Saturday, January 25. Including cigales, dumplings, spring rolls, bacalao and more.
Enjoy a Chinese New Year brunch on Sunday, January 26 complete with lion dancers, red envelopes with fortunes and prizes, plus tea service.
There’s no special celebrations happening here, but if you’d like to dine in the spirit of Lunar New Year, go all out with their famous Peking Duck.
As rag + bone states “Nothing captures our NYC home and the Lunar New Year quite like the resident rodent that’s out to steal a slice of your heart”. Their special Lunar New Year collection is an ode to the pizza rat and is an adorable way to celebrate the unofficial, official animal of NYC.