January Cultural Highlight

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, also referred to as Spring Festival, originated in China, but is celebrated across many Asian countries and around the world. Lunar New Year signifies the start of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. The Celebration begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and commences 15 days later on the first full moon. 2025 is the year of the snake, symbolizing transformation, wisdom, and intuition.

Ways to celebrate: Common ways people celebrate Lunar New Year is by, setting off firecrackers, visiting relatives and friends, and eating dumplings, rice cakes, and other special food. Dragon and lion dances play significant roles in Lunar New Year's history and serve as common entertainment for the celebration.

Task Force Member, Happy Tian accepts the 2025 Lunar New Year Proclamation.

February Cultural Highlight

Black History Month

Black History Month first began as "Negro History Week" by Dr. Carter G. Woodson with the purpose to introduce teachings of Black history in American public schools. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month. Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans. The 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor” recognizes that work of all kinds, free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.

Ways to celebrate: Learn about Black history, read books written by Black authors, listen to music by Black artists and musicians, support Black-owned and operated businesses. Visit Renton has a tour of Black-owned businesses that can be found here.

Events Celebrating Black History Month:

Learn more about Black History Month here.

March Cultural Highlight

Holi

Holi called, "Festival of Colors", originated in India and Nepal but is celebrated around the world. Holi marks the transition from winter to spring with street festivals filled with community tossing gulal (colored powders) to celebrate the occasion. Colors play a significant role in Holi, each color represents different emotions and elements of nature.

Ways to celebrate: People will sing and dance around bonfires. Try Indian sweets such as, pitha and gujiya. Attend a color festival!

Events Celebrating Holi: