Join Santa Barbara Chinese School (SBCS) and Santa Barbara Public Library invites community members to a celebration of the Lunar New Year, 1-4 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Michael Towbes Library Plaza and throughout the main level of the Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu St.

Children parade around holding up a bright red and yellow dragon figure. (Courtesy photo)
Children parade around with a colorful dragon figure in celebration of Lunar New Year. (Courtesy photo)

The family event will feature free activities, snacks, crafts, prizes, a Chinese book exchange, library scavenger hunt, musical performances by Santa Barbara students studying Asian languages, and Lunar New Year food tastings from local businesses.

 
A Chinese brush painting art exhibit, created by Santa Barbara Chinese School students and sponsored by StudioYU, will be on display in Central Library’s Fireplace Room throughout February.

The exhibit showcases student artwork created using sustainable materials, such as rice paper and ink made with natural water-based color pigments.

Santa Barbara Chinese School, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in December, offers Chinese language instruction that highlights the richness of Chinese language and culture.

Now in its second year, the Lunar New Year Family Festival honors one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Asia while also recognizing Santa Barbara Chinese School’s legacy in the Santa Barbara community.

For more, visit Lunar New Year Family Festival, SantaBarbaraCA.gov/LunarNewYear.