Milpitas celebrates Year of the Rabbit
Festivities feature food, crafts and dragon dancers
“Rain or shine” has been the theme of recent events held by Milpitas Recreation and Community Services, and the Jan. 14 Lunar New Year celebration at the civic center was no exception.
The Year of the Rabbit was welcomed with performances by the Viet Youth dancing and singing group, the Lion Dance Club from Milpitas High School, Cantrell Martial Arts, Aimusic.us and the Vrock Band.
Milpitas Recreation and the Mandarin Language and Cultural Center offered kids’ crafts and activities such as making Chinese lanterns and opening red envelopes containing a lucky gift for the new year. Attendees could also strike a pose in a festive photo booth.
Lion and dragon dancers from LionDanceMe warmed up the full house at the community center before everyone headed out to the senior center courtyard for the firecracker finale. The rain had stopped for the occasion.
Babies born this year fall under the Chinese zodiac sign of the rabbit, as do folks born in 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963 and 1951. In Chinese culture, the rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are believed to be vigilant, witty and quick-minded.