The mission of Lancaster Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders (LAAPI) is to preserve and uplift Asian culture in Lancaster and beyond. Our community has become a beautiful melting pot that embraces various cultures, with food playing a central role. It’s heartwarming to reflect on the first Lunar New Year celebration in 2023, as this event resonates deeply with cherished traditions of celebrating food and families and friends coming together. Since this first event, LAAPI has grown as an organization and is now able to put even more heart into this event. This year’s celebration will be held at Ewell Plaza and Binns Park on Sunday, February 2. It is a free event that will be held rain or shine!
The dynamic duo, Laura Wu and Cindy Lam Guo, were the all woman team behind Lancaster city’s first Lunar New Year celebration in 2023. After the success of the event, LAAPI was formed. Through this annual celebration, neighbors of any culture are able to come together to celebration the cultural significance behind Lunar New Year. The festivities will feature seven food vendors, traditional lion dances, a dumpling eating contest and other games/activities. Though Lunar New Year is mainly celebrated in China, Korea, and Vietnam, LAAPI has gone above and beyond to make sure all cultures are celebrated and featured at their events and within their organization. With the growth of LAAPI, newer members who focus on event planning are getting the opportunity to add their personal touches to Lunar New Year include Libby Ethridge and Rachel Duong.
Lunar New Year is a joyful celebration marking the start of a new year based on lunar calendars, aligned with the cycles of the moon. It carries meaningful connections to astrology and zodiac signs, particularly through animals and the five elements. The year 2025 is the year of the Snake, which symbolizes a vibrant time of transformation, renewal, and personal growth. In many cultures, the snake is celebrated for its ability to shed its skin, a powerful reminder of letting go of the old to embrace the new. In summary, the Chinese Lunar New Year is a festive occasion brimming with cultural traditions and spiritual meanings. It beautifully underscores the significance of family and friends while inspiring hope for a bright future. For Lancaster residents, this occasion can symbolize the blending of cultures and the embrace of community spirit among neighbors.
Want to get involved? LAAPI is searching for volunteers to assist with the event! If you are interested, please check out their Instagram for more information.
Femme Forward - Lancaster, PA 
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