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With the Chinese New Year approaching, dozens braved the ice and snow on Saturday to celebrate the Year of the Snake, which officially begins on Wednesday.
The Chinese Cultural Institute of Colorado Springs celebrated a few days early, hosting its 26th annual Chinese New Year Festival on Saturday at the ORL Center for the Arts.
The institute’s president, Mali Hsu, founded the nonprofit nearly 30 years ago after she noticed a lack of cultural events in Colorado Springs.
A lion dancer with Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu looks out of their lion’s mouth during a performance at the Chinese New Year Festival at the Ent Center for the Arts on Saturday, January 25.
“It was a very quiet town,” Hsu said. “I didn’t see any cultural events, especially Asian culture, so I thought we should let people know and learn about Chinese culture.”
The festival was packed with people, food trucks, and vendors selling Year of the Snake merchandise. Many families chose to bring their children along, some of whom were seen wearing face paint throughout the day.
Institute volunteers said they enjoy seeing children’s reactions to the shows and believe their exposure to different cultures fosters “global citizenship.”
Drummers from Sun Mountain Taiko perform at the Chinese New Year Festival at the Ent Center for the Arts on Saturday, January 25.
Dancers with Christina Yeh Dance Studio perform a long sleeve dance at the Chinese New Year Festival at the Ent Center for the Arts on Saturday, January 25.
“We are creating awareness that there is life beyond our shores,” said event co-chair Herman Tiemens. “At the end of the day, it’s important that we have a level of understanding for each other. I think that leads to good things.”
Many volunteers were excited to share some of their typical New Year’s traditions, most of which focus on luck.
“There are a lot of things you have to do to prepare for Chinese New Year that you wouldn’t do for American,” said board member Angela Ouyang. “For example, I erase the week before, because if I erase the day, I erase all my luck and wealth.”
Most of those who celebrate the holiday also do not shower or wash their hair on its day. Similar to sweeping, washing is thought to “wash away” all luck and fortune for the year.
The performances on the main stage seemed to be the biggest draw of the day, with several organizations from across the state coming to put on a show.
To kick it all off, Master Hao Liu performed a Kung Fu demonstration. Liu, who lives in Colorado Springs, was the tournament champion both in the United States and overseas in China.
Master Hao Liu had the opportunity to show off his Kung Fu skills at the Chinese New Year Festival on Saturday. Liu is the tournament champion in both the United States and China.
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— Mack Bodell (@mackenziebodell) January 25, 2025
Based in Colorado Springs, Sun Mountain Taiko once again made its annual appearance at the festival.
Member Amanda Casey told the Gazette that she has been playing with the band for almost nine years. Casey first joined the group when her husband moved out of state to finish his master’s degree and she was looking for something to be a part of.
“It’s fun to show off our art form,” Casey said. “It just feels like we’re giving back to the community.”
Members of Sun Mountain Taiko of Colorado Springs performed 3 songs at the festival, all of which received high praise from the audience.
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— Mack Bodell (@mackenziebodell) January 25, 2025
Rounding out the show was Boulder-based Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu with a Lion Dance performance. The band members left early Saturday morning to beat the snow-covered roads, stopping in Denver for one more show before heading to Colorado Springs.
Shuya Edmans with Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu does a weapons demonstration during the Chinese New Year Festival at the Ent Center for the Arts on Saturday, January 25. The festival rang in the Year of the Snake with two ticketed cultural shows, martial arts demonstrations, authentic Chinese tea, a pottery station and a number of vendors and artists. Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar and is a 15-day holiday.
Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu Lion Dancers perform at the 26th Annual Chinese New Year Festival hosted by the Chinese Cultural Institute of Colorado Springs at the Ent Center for the Arts on Saturday, January 25. The lion dance is traditionally performed during Chinese New Year celebrations to bring prosperity and luck in the coming year.
The Lions entered from the sides, descending the aisles before taking the stage. Two people maneuvered each of the seven lions, working gracefully together to appear seamless.
Coming down from Boulder, Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu performed the famous Lion Dance, making a grand entrance at the same time.
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— Mack Bodell (@mackenziebodell) January 25, 2025
The Tea House down the hall from the main stage performance also drew a crowd with promises of hot tea. Ouyang, the board member, gave “Tea Art” demonstrations to curious festival attendees.
Ouyang told the Journal that the festival is one of her favorite days of the year, allowing her to embrace her cultural heritage while raising awareness of traditions such as Gongfu tea.
“When you’re away from your whole family, it’s hard,” Ouyang said. “This is my only chance to wear my traditional clothes and share them with people.”
