Lunar New Year Celebration

On Saturday, February 28 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., the San Mateo County History Museum will join Redwood City in its 15^th annual celebration of the Lunar New Year. The Museum invites you to join it for this Asian celebration of the Year of the Horse.

The free event includes performances on Courthouse Square including lion dancers, martial artists and taiko drummers. Inside the History Museum, kids can participate in activity stations based on the Chinese zodiac. They can try calligraphy, use an abacus, make a chopstick rest and more.

The Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in many Asian countries. It is often celebrated with big family gatherings, gift giving, the eating of symbolic foods, and displays of festive decorations- all focused on bringing good luck for the New Year and celebrating the imminent arrival of spring. In China, observances for the Spring Festival traditionally take place from New Year’s Eve (February 16, 2026) to the Lantern Festival, the 15^th day of the year (March 3, 2026).

According to Chinese legend, 12 animals denote the lunar years in continuous 12-year cycles. A person born a particular year is given certain animal traits that can influence personality, compatibility and luck. The horse is the seventh animal in the rotation. People born in the Year of the Horse (2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930) are considered brave, strong, talented and independent.

The San Mateo County History Museum is located at 2200 Broadway within the 116-year-old “Old Courthouse” in Redwood City. It features exhibits related to the use of natural resources, suburban development, ethnic experience, and innovation on the Peninsula from the time of the Ohlone Indian through today. The Museum is open every day except Monday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.