BROOKLYN, NY (February 2, 2023) – Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso on Tuesday hosted a Lunar New Year celebration in partnership with Homecrest Community Services and UA3 to welcome in the Year of the Rabbit and the Year of the Cat alongside all of Brooklyn. The evening celebration featured performances by the Tai Shan Du Hu Association Lion Dancers, P.S. 105 elementary school students, and the Homecrest Community Services Senior Dance Group. About 150 Brooklynites joined for the festivities and to enjoy the delicious foods of Park Asia in Sunset Park. The celebration was made possible thanks to National Grid’s sponsorship.
“The Year of the Rabbit is an opportunity for peace, tranquility, and the reaffirmation of Brooklyn as a borough where people of all cultures and backgrounds can live free of fear and in harmony with one another. The Year of the Cat, as observed by our Vietnamese communities, also bears good luck and ease,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Brooklyn is proud to be home to so many growing and thriving AAPI communities. I had the best night celebrating the Lunar New Year with delicious food, a captivating lion dance, and the joy of coming together as one. I’m so grateful to Homecrest Community Services and UA3 for bringing the party to Brooklyn. If there’s anything our borough knows how to do best, it’s to spread love.”
“National Grid joins with Borough President Reynoso and the local community to celebrate diverse cultures and rich traditions in the borough,” said Renee McClure, Director, Community & Customer Engagement, National Grid New York. “As we enter the Year of the Rabbit we honor the legacy of the holiday and uplifting the AAPI community.”
“After several years apart, it is wonderful to see our Brooklyn community come alive once again with vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations,” said Wai Yee Chan, Executive Director of Homecrest Community Services. “Thank you to our very own Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso for hosting such a great community event for Brooklynites. Our community is made stronger by welcoming cultural diversity and honoring the many contributions of Asian Americans.”
“New Yorkers of all cultures came together to celebrate Lunar New Years at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso opened with the excitement of beating drums,” said Donald Hong, President of UA3. “Shan Du Hu Assoc. lion dancers brought good luck and prosperity to all of Brooklyn for this coming year. With such grace and poise, PS105 elementary students melted our hearts. And with such elegance, Homecrest seniors added beauty to the night. As a final farewell, Lions International presented oranges, symbolic of gold and good fortune to all! Prosperity to all.”