We Smell a Rat – Chinese New Year!

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 7, 2008 8:47PM

There were some firecrackers a-poppin' last night: today is the first day of the first Lunar Month. So that means it's beginning of the Chinese New Year Festival, which started at midnight and traditionally lasts until February 15. Also known as the Lunar New Year, festivities are meant to celebrate and welcome the Year of the Rat.

As with all major holidays, the New Year revolves around friends, family, and consuming ungodly amounts of food. Taking its cue, Vella Café is hosting a six-course Chinese New Year Wine Dinner tonight from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Cost of the meal with wine pairings is $75, and includes tax and tip.

If you’d rather toast the holiday by getting toasted, the Chinese New Year pub crawl in Chinatown on Friday night features complimentary appetizers and sushi, drink specials, and karaoke.

What about the parades? The Hip Sing Association in Uptown is again sponsoring their annual Argyle Street Lunar New Year Parade on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Or, Chinatown’s big Chinese New Year Parade takes place on Sunday at 1 p.m. Crowds flock to this parade, so if you are looking to indulge in the Cantonese fare or to do a little shopping, good luck – Chinatown will be packed.

Image via marmotfotos on flickr

Thanks, Amy!