Martial arts, music, dance, visual and fine arts filled Bellevue Square Center Court on Saturday, Feb. 21 as the Chinese New Year celebrated the year of the sheep/goat.
“This festival is a perfect celebration for all ages and one that brings to life the amazing culture, dance and music celebrated during Lunar New Year that enrich our community,” said Jennifer Leavitt, vice president of marketing for The Bellevue Collection.
The 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. event drew crowds throughout the day to see displays like the Chinese Lion and Dragon parade. The dramatic and colorful parade is an integral part of the Chinese culture with the traditional lion dance and dragon as a symbol of strength and good luck to the community. Even young performers no more than 8 years old could be seen inside the lion costumes dancing along with their older counterparts.
Guest Services handed out traditional lucky red envelopes that contained lucky candy and symbolize good luck for the New Year and are said to ward off evil spirits.
“Even though the lucky red envelopes were geared towards the kids, I could tell that it was very nostalgic for the adults who received them, too,” said Julie Hamasaki, style and event coordinator, The Bellevue Collection.
The Bellevue Collection partnered with the Seattle Chinese Cultural and Arts Association, the Overseas Community Affairs Council, Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America.
Photos courtesy of Michael D. Burkhalter