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Best Ways To Celebrate Lunar New Year In Pittsburgh

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(photo credit: ocapghpa.org)

OCA Lunar New Year Banquet
Syria Shriners Center
1877 Shriners Way
Cheswick, PA 15024
(724) 274- 7000
www.ocapghpa.org

Hours: Feb. 23 – 5 p.m.
Price: Check here for details

The Organization of Chinese Americans's Pittsburgh chapter hosts an annual banquet that includes a program and cultural entertainment. The banquet is one of the biggest Chinese cultural event, starting with an authentic dinner by the Pittsburgh Chinese Restaurant Association. The banquet is followed by performances and lion dances by the OCA Youth Performance Ensemble. There are prizes and raffles to benefit Community Outreach, educational, youth and senior programs. A special award is presented to OCA youth for volunteer community work in the Pittsburgh area.

Yanlai Dance Academy
2260 Babcock Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 879- 0848
www.yanlaidanceacademy.com

Hours: February 9 – 7:00 p.m.; University of Pittsburgh; February 16 – 7:30 p.m.; Carnegie Mellon University; February 23 – 7:45 p.m.; Avonworth High School

The experienced dance teachers at Yanlai Dance Academy and their students are perform at events throughout the Pittsburgh region to demonstrate Chinese culture with aplomb and elegance. The dances include traditional and classical Chinese art forms in fun and imaginative programs that depict Chinese culture. The costumes and unique style of dancing make for an impressive celebration of the Lunar New Year. The dance academy has won many awards, and their exquisite dance troupe tells a motivating story in all its performances.

 
Silk Screen Asian Arts & Cultural Organization's Chinese New Year
Carnegie Children's Museum
10 Children's Way
Allegheny Square
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 322-5058
www.silkscreenfestival.org

Hours: Feb 13. – 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Silk Screen presents year around events about the Asian culture that are in partnerships with non-profit organizations. There are out reach programs, movies, dance performances and music. Film festivals showcase Asian culture at high schools and colleges in the Pittsburgh region with a series of films and documentaries. The organization has scheduled a variety of Chinese New Year events at the Carnegie Children's Museu. Look out for a craft activity that celebrates the Year of the Snake, a lion dance presentation and a parade with Chinese musical selections.

Related: Best Multicultural Extracurricular Activities For Kids In Pittsburgh

Chinese Nationality Room
University of Pittsburgh

Cathedral of Learning
4200 5th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-6000
www.nationalityrooms.pitt.edu

Hours: Mon through Sat – 9a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun – 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The nationality rooms at the University of Pittsburgh provide information about all the ethnic groups that have settled in the Pittsburgh region. The Chinese Nationality Room has carved inscriptions, frosted windows, wall designs and a ceiling that represent an iconic view of the famous dragon symbols of energy and wisdom, which are significant to the Chinese people. The music in the Chinese Room gives a sense of serenity. Lions guard doorways; tables are set up to for students and teachers to learn about the philosophy of Confucius. There are furnishings that unlock secret mysteries to whet the appetite for learning about Chinese culture. Just being there is enough to transport you to another world.

Pittsburgh Chinese School
Allderdice High School
2409 Shady Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(724) 816-1073
www.pittsburgh-chinese-school.org

The Pittsburgh Chinese School annually engages in celebrations to highlight Chinese culture with performances and, on Feb. 10, the cultural classes will perform dances and utilize unique instruments to accompany the routines. The school offers programs and activities to learn about Chinese heritage, language, culture, dances, songs and martial arts. The school's offerings include classes for adults, so this should be the first stop for people who truly want to learn about Chinese culture.

Related: Best Classes For Kids In Pittsburgh 

Gerry Cernicky is a retired health and physical education teacher with 36 years of experience. He is a former teacher of the year and a sports writer for the Vandergrift News. He delivers podcasts, and maintains a website and blog. He currently resides in Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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