2024-02-09 Year of the Dragon Lunar New Year Celebration

From February 9 to 11, Miami Fo Guang Shan held its 2024 Jiachen Year of the Dragon Lunar New Year celebration. The temple was filled with festive decorations, with auspicious lanterns hanging high, dragon-themed photo backdrops, plush dragon dolls, and orchid arrangements creating a vibrant and joyous New Year atmosphere.

The celebration was blessed with beautiful, sunny weather, attracting over 500 local and international visitors who came with their families to pay respects at the temple, make New Year wishes, and participate in a variety of cultural activities. These included writing Three Acts of Goodness calligraphy, DIY dragon paper cutting, ringing the Happiness Bell, ink rubbing, and experiencing a rich cultural feast to welcome the Year of the Dragon together in harmony and joy.

On the second day of the New Year, Tamarac City Mayor Michelle Gomez and Vice Mayor Morey Wright made a special visit and presented a proclamation in recognition of Miami Fo Guang Shan’s efforts in providing the local community with an opportunity to experience Chinese culture and the unique traditions of Lunar New Year. Venerable Jueyan, on behalf of the temple, presented the mayor and vice mayor with a calligraphy scroll featuring the words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, auspicious red envelopes, and calendars. Both officials watched the cultural performances in their entirety and even joined in a group singing performance, fully immersing themselves in the celebration of Chinese culture.

No Lunar New Year celebration would be complete without a lion dance, and the lively, skillful performance captivated the audience, earning thunderous applause. A dragon dance troupe composed of young volunteers made its debut, bursting with energy and enthusiasm, receiving an overwhelming response from the crowd. During the New Year festivities, the youth group also set up a fundraising Polaroid photo booth featuring a double-dragon backdrop, allowing visitors to capture and cherish the joyous moment.

A series of cultural performances followed, including singing, traditional folk dances, ballet, and Tai Chi, keeping the audience mesmerized. As the event reached its grand finale, the arrival of the God of Wealth sparked excitement, with attendees eagerly gathering to take photos and receive blessings of prosperity.

Gustavo Alvarez, a Spanish-speaking devotee, learned that nian gao (New Year rice cake) symbolizes "rising higher each year" and made a special purchase to share with his family. Alice, a Chinese-American student who had been studying in Europe for years, introduced Spring Festival couplets to her American fiancé. Together, they wrote “Dragon, Peace” and “Dragon, Auspiciousness” to bring home as a symbol of joy. Meanwhile, Stephanie, a young South African girl, attended the cultural feast dressed in a traditional Chinese qipao, earning many compliments. She expressed her admiration for the qipao, calling it elegant and her favorite dress.