Quincy's Lunar New Year Festival returns with a roar for 35th year

QUINCY − North Quincy High School was buzzing Sunday as hundreds of people gathered to usher in the Year of the Rabbit at the 35th Annual Lunar New Year Festival.

People of all ages and backgrounds mingled in the school's lobby, atrium, cafeteria, auditorium and gymnasium. Performers stretched or adjusted makeup and costumes before taking the stage.

The event was organized by Quincy Asian Resources Inc. Sunday was the last day of the 15-day observance of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

In the gym, where businesses and agencies set up tables, a long line of people headed toward Kam Man Food's "Wheel of Luck" for a chance to win groceries. Brian Chen and Elaina Zou each won ground coffee on successive spins.

Zou and Chen, who are North Quincy High School students, volunteered to help organize and manage this year's event.

"It's a great leadership experience," Zou said.

In the lobby, Sorat Ly stood before two large, stylized lion heads as he assembled his troupe from Woo's Martial Arts in Belmont before it performed the famous lion dance, one of the festival's main events.

"We practice week in and week out, every Sunday in Chinatown," Ly said.

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Pointing to very young musicians and dancers, Ly stressed the importance of keeping the tradition alive.

Thirteen-year-old Christopher Soohoo, clad in the shaggy leggings of the lion costume, said his father and grandfather performed before him.

Christopher, who began performing the dance four years ago, said, "It's hard when you start, but easier once you've gone through it."

As the lion's head, Christopher's small frame allows his partner behind him to lift him high into the air, creating the impression of a beast rearing up on its hind legs.

"I scare away evil spirits and bring good luck," he said.

As noon approached, people waiting for the lion dance gathered in the gym.

"The lion dance is my favorite part," said Elena Tran, of Quincy. "I used to go here (to North Quincy High). I was class president in 2021." Tran said she volunteered with Quincy Asian Resources at past festivals.

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Soon drums and cymbals thumped and clashed from the back of the gym. Children with cherry blossoms painted on their cheeks and wearing earmuffs against the noise sat on shoulders and watched, awestruck, as the two lions entered the gym.

The lions jumped and swung to the heavy rhythm, then gobbled up lucky red envelopes, a Chinese New Year tradition, offered to them by two rows of dignitaries seated behind the stage, including Mayor Thomas Koch.

After the lion dance, Koch thanked organizers and attendants, calling the festival "one of the premier events of the city."

In the cafeteria, where vendors sold different varieties of Asian cuisines, Eric Avalo enjoyed lunch and a brief respite from the noisy action with his wife and 2-year-old daughter. Avalo said he was attracted to the event "because it's an Asian celebration. My daughter is half-Chinese and half-Dominican," he said. "It's important that she experience her culture."

Avalo said the lion dance was fun, but "very loud. We were right by the drums. Not the best call."

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Another fan favorite was Quincy Taekwondo's martial arts exhibition. Students ranging from young children to early teenagers performed various blocks, strikes and high kicks in unison. They then performed another set of synchronized maneuvers while blindfolded.

Stacks of wooden boards were brought out and chopped to pieces by fists and heels. A small boy smashed board after board in a seemingly never-ending series of roundhouse kicks. "Mortal Combat" theme music played in the background.

There were 28 performances in the span of four hours, including music and dance from several different Asian traditions, such as Korean and Japanese drums, Indian and Filipino dance, Mongolian song and more.

The event concluded with the God of Fortune, played by David Zou, handing out lucky money to children in the audience.

Quincy Asian Resources CEO Philip Chong said that before Sunday, COVID had prevented full-scale live festivals since 2020.

"We've been waiting three years for this celebration," he said. "It's multigenerational, with people from different backgrounds and cultures joining together − important for the city of Quincy.

"It's a great day," he said. "We are grateful."

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Quincy celebrates 35th Annual Lunar New Year Festival