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Top Ways To Celebrate Lunar New Year In Denver

The Lunar New Year is one of the biggest holidays in many Asian cultures. Perhaps the most well known is the Chinese New Year, which is celebrated all over the world with song, dance and food. The good news is that you don't have to travel to China to take part in this beautiful cultural celebration. There are plenty of ways for you to be a part of the Lunar New year festivities right here in Denver for 2013 -- the year of the snake. Take a look at these great ways to celebrate.

Chinese New Year Celebration
At the Paramount Theatre
1621 Glenarm Place
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 270-7032
www.denverchineseschool.org

Date: Feb. 9

Celebrate the Chinese New year with a great festival right in the heart of downtown Denver. Brought to you by the Denver Chinese School, there will be acrobats, music, magic and, of course, the always spectacular lion dancing. Don't miss the cultural booths and marketplace to pick up some great gifts and craft items, calligraphy, costumes and more. Then enjoy all of the tremendous entertainment brought to Denver by international artists. It is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday.

snake
(credit: greatwallchineseacademy.org)

2013 Chinese New Year Celebration
Great Wall Chinese Academy
Recreation Center at Southridge
4800 McArthur Ranch Road
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
(303) 471-8859
www.greatwallchineseacademy.org

Date. Feb. 9

Another great festival and celebration for the Chinese New Year is being put on by the Great Wall Chinese Academy. There will be lion dances, traditional Chinese folk music, a martial arts demonstration, a children's chorus and Japanese Taiko drums. In addition, you'll be able to enjoy plenty of great crafts, paintings, food, calligraphy and so much more. This celebration has been going strong for six years. It is is always a wonderful and culturally diverse festival that is sure to be a hit.

Related: Top Asian Noodle Shops in Denver

Confucius Institute CCD
1030 St. Francis Way
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 352-6917
www.ccd.edu

Looking for a great way to introduce your children and students to Chinese culture? Then look to the Confucius Institute for its truly interactive field trip. There are so many great activities that your students can participate in, from hands-on workshops like making Chinese dumplings or a Chinese tea ceremony to a lecture series in Chinese medicine. Or you can explore the vast library of books and videos filled with information on Chinese culture and history. For some extra fun, there is even a spot to take photos in an authentic Beijing opera costume. It is a great way to help your students learn about China's rich culture and history.

Denver Art Museum - Asian Art Collection
100 W.14th Ave. Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 865-5000
www.denverartmuseum.org

The Denver Art Museum has so many exhibits that it is nearly impossible to visit them all in one stop. Take a day to focus on just the Asian Art exhibit that is a permanent installation. The collection started in 1915 with donations from a single collector focusing on Chinese and Japanese works of art. Today, the collection spans the entire continent of Asia and includes artifacts from B.C. to present day. A large gallery space is used showcasing these impressive sculptures, paintings, fabrics and more. It really is the best way to get a true inside look at the art of Asian cultures.

Related: Top Specialty Food Stores in Denver

Colorado Chinese Language Center
110 16th St., Suite 502B
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 675-9825
www.coloradochineselanguagecenter.com

Despite what many people say, it is never too late to learn a new language. Chinese is a beautiful and rich language though it can be a challenge to learn, that is where the Colorado Chinese Language Center comes in. The Center offers classes for groups, children and adults, even offering private lessons for adult learners. The class is 55 minutes long and meets once per week, with plenty of instruction on how and what to practice while you are at home. It is a great way to learn the language, but also to meet other people with similar interests.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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