Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso on Friday hosted a spectacular Lunar New Year celebration at Brooklyn Borough Hall, welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse with cultural performances, food, and community festivities.
Held in partnership with UA3, Wonton Food Inc., and the Office of Council Member Susan Zhuang, Reynoso said the celebration included a traditional lion dance by TaiShan Du Hu Association of America, and brought together Brooklynites from across the borough to honor the traditions of Brooklyn’s diverse Asian communities.
“I am so proud to open Borough Hall’s doors to welcome the Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate renewal, family, and community, and that’s exactly what this evening is all about,” Reynoso said. “The Horse represents strength and energy, both of which help capture the vibrancy of our borough’s AAPI communities.
“I was overjoyed to see so many Brooklynites join our festivities, and I am so thankful to our partners for helping bring this event to life,” he added.
Reynoso said Lunar New Year marks the start of the new year on the lunar calendar and the arrival of spring.
He said that, according to the Chinese zodiac, the Fire Horse represents “vitality, independence, and forward movement.”
“Celebrated across many Asian cultures, it is a time for families to come together, honor traditions, and welcome good fortune in the year ahead,” the Brooklyn Borough President said.
Don Hong, president of UA3, exclaimed: “What a way to welcome the year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, resilience, and forward movement.
“The event highlights the spirit of unity that defines the community, emphasizing how community members show up for one another, move with purpose, and continue pushing forward together,” he said.
“We appreciate Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso for his leadership and collaborative approach, demonstrating a commitment to real world solutions and meaningful investment in the fight against food insecurity,” Hong added.
Catherine Chen, chief executive officer of the Asian American Federation, said that Brooklyn is “home to fast-growing, vibrant Asian communities,” adding that her organization is “honored to join Borough President Antonio Reynoso, UA3, and all our local partners in celebrating the traditions and cultural heritage that make our neighborhoods so special.
“This Lunar New Year is the Year of the Fire Horse, which calls on us to be bold and drive forward change,” Chen said. “With UA3 and other Hope Against Hate partners, we are working to educate our communities and ensure they have the necessary resources and support as we navigate the threats to immigrant New Yorkers.
“In gathering today and celebrating with our community, we are also affirming the rights and resilience of immigrant and Asian communities,” she continued.
Norman Wong, CEO of Wonton Food, said: “As a family-founded company with deep roots in Brooklyn, Wonton Food is honored to support the Brooklyn Borough President’s Lunar New Year celebration.
“This special occasion brings families and communities together while honoring the cultures, traditions, and hardworking individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen our borough,” he added.
