FALLS CHURCH, Virginia — On Jan. 25, this bustling city in Virginia came alive as the Asian Community Service Center (ACSC) hosted its much-anticipated annual Chinese New Year Festival. The event was held at the Luther Jackson Middle School in Falls Church from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This year’s Lunar New Year, celebrated by many countries across Asia, falls on Jan. 29, marking the start of a week filled with festivities, family reunions, scrumptious food, and cultural traditions.
A cornerstone of cultural exchange in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, the event once again delivered a vivid tapestry of tradition, community, and celebration. It also brought together many VIPs, including local politicians and participants from all backgrounds and walks of life to partake in the rich heritage of traditional Chinese culture.
“Happy New Year to all Virginians who celebrate the Lunar New Year. I wish everyone a year full of blessings, creativity, and knowledge,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, adding, “We are celebrating the Lunar New Year here in Fairfax County and I’m so happy to be here with the community today. I’m looking forward to having a great year to serve you and serve all of Virginia.”
Abigail Davis Spanberger, who’s running for Governor of Virginia, also sent her well-wishes and greetings for the constituents she hopes to represent. “I want to say Happy New Year to everyone celebrating across Virginia and across the country,” said Spanberger.
“I’m here to wish everybody a happy and prosperous New Year,” said Virginia Attorney General, Jason Miyares. “I hope it is a blessed one as we celebrate the Chinese New Year. I hope everyone has a great time with their family and I’m so happy to be here and see the very best of our Chinese community here in Northern Virginia.”
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The ACSC — a volunteer-driven non-profit organization — has long championed the preservation and promotion of Chinese traditions in the diverse cultural mosaic of the D.C. area. “We hope that our children will keep in their memory the cultural roots and traditions of the Chinese New Year when they grow up,” said a ACSC representative via their website.
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By creating a space for cultural exchange, the festival encourages participants to embrace a shared appreciation for the values and traditions of this ancient celebration that traces its roots all the way back to ancient Chinese civilization.
The festival’s overarching mission is encapsulated in its theme: “Return to Tradition.” Inspired by Confucian ideals, the celebration emphasized family unity, respect for elders, and the preservation of cultural values amid the modern world’s distractions. Through its many diverse offerings, the festival sought to bridge generational gaps and rekindle connections to the customs of over five millennia. Below were some of the highlights:
Cultural performances and exhibits
The festival’s vibrant lineup of cultural performances began with a spectacular dragon dance, known as a symbol of prosperity and auspiciousness in Chinese culture. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals, the dragon expertly wove through the crowd, delighting guests and embodying the event’s spirit of unity and celebration.
The performances also featured choreography and dance pieces from other Asian countries, including traditional Hindu dancing, ribbon twirling, and more.
Not to be outdone, the lion dance brought its own flair, featuring intricate choreography that showcased the performers’ skill and athleticism. Each performance was steeped in tradition, and drew inspiration from centuries-old legends and fables.
Attendees also explored an extensive cultural exhibition that showcased traditional crafts, language booths, and health and business stalls, including acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.
Some businesses in attendance included: AllState, Sotheby’s, Amazon Fresh, Bao Down, Cricket, AT&T, Wegmans, Stem Tree, Tiny Dancers, and more. These interactive stations offered a hands-on opportunity to learn about Chinese art forms, such as calligraphy, origami, and paper-cutting, while also providing insights about modern applications of traditional values.
Among the standout vendors were Shen Yun Performing Arts, the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, which kicked off its 2025 tour late last year. Offering insights into their breathtaking performances inspired by ancient Chinese culture, Shen Yun aims to showcase the beauty and tradition of ancient China prior to the ravages of communism.
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Also featured was Gan Jing World, a growing digital platform that is dedicated to promoting wholesome and traditional content free from violent, pornographic, or harmful material.
Central to the festival’s storytelling was the legend of “Nian,” a mythical beast that ancient villagers would ward off with bright red decorations, firecrackers, and loud sounds. This tale — a cornerstone of Chinese New Year lore — was brought to life through engaging performances and exhibits. The legend’s themes of resilience and ingenuity resonated with audiences to transcend past cultural and language barriers.
Steeped in tradition
One of the most anticipated traditions for attendees — especially children — was the giving of red packets (known as “Hong Bao” in Chinese). These symbolic gifts, which are adorned with auspicious designs, represent blessings for wealth and prosperity. Hong Bao are envelopes stuffed with money and are traditionally given out to children during Lunar New Year celebrations to symbolize blessings, good fortune, and prosperity in the coming year.
Food also played a starring role, with traditional New Year’s Eve dishes such as dumplings and fish symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Festival-goers enjoyed authentic homemade dumplings, with vendors serving a variety of Asian dishes that delighted the palate and fostered a stronger sense of community. Other cuisines in attendance included: gluten-free treats, delicious beverages like piña coladas and mangonadas, and Vietnamese delicacies like bánh chung and boba tea.
In addition, the festival encouraged attendees to embrace traditional Chinese customs, including the proper greeting pose for New Year wishes. Men and women demonstrated distinct stances rooted in ancient practices, embodying respect and kindness — especially towards the elderly.
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A community united
In a world increasingly dominated by technology and instant gratification, the ACSC’s Chinese New Year Festival serves as a poignant and beautiful reminder of the importance of tradition and community. “We are now in an era of change and turmoil,” said an event organizer, “and the traditional notion of respect for family and elders is more vital than ever.”
The festival’s mission to “return to tradition” resonated with attendees, many of whom expressed appreciation for the opportunity to step back from modern distractions and reconnect with cultural roots. The day’s activities emphasized values such as family unity, gratitude, and mutual respect — a timely message in today’s fast-paced and chaotic world.
As the sun set on Jan. 25, the echoes of drumbeats and laughter lingered as a testament to the festival’s long track record of bringing together a diverse community to honor a shared heritage. With each passing year, the ACSC continues to build bridges between cultures, fostering understanding and unity through the enduring spirit of Chinese New Year.
With reporting by Tiny Tang.
