Coney Island celebrated the 2017 Lunar New Year last Thursday, February 23 at a celebration hosted by Assemblymember Pamela Harris in partnership with City Council Member Mark Treyger and State Senator Diane Savino.
The event, held at Liberation Diploma Plus High School (2865 West 19th Street), marked the Year of the Rooster.
Harris said, “Welcoming in the Lunar New Year is a cheerful and longstanding tradition in our community,” and added that she was “excited to bring Brooklyn families together to honor and celebrate our neighbors’ culture.”
The Lunar New Year is a time to honor Chinese culture and offer good fortune, health, prosperity and happiness to others. Attendees to the event enjoyed free food as well as traditional music and performances.
Treyger emphasized the diverse set of cultures in Brooklyn saying, “Events like this showcase just that by highlighting some of the heritage and traditions that make our area so vibrant.”
Savino expanded on this, recognizing the diversity in not only Brooklyn, but the whole state. “With the New Year comes new opportunities to bring us closer and appreciate the diverse cultures that make our city and state great,” she said.