Poway Library celebrated the 2026 Lunar New Year with a Lion Dance and traditional Chinese dances and music performed on its patio on Saturday.
More than 625 people attended the event that celebrates the Year of the Fire Horse from Feb. 17, 2026 to Feb. 6, 2027. This promises to be a rare, auspicious and energetic year representing power, strength and dramatic transformation.
As the seventh animal in the 12-year cycle, the horse symbolizes independence, speed and intelligence.
Poway resident Clare Zhou said she was originally from northwestern China and came to the Lunar New Year celebration to immerse herself with the traditions of her homeland.
“I would like to experience the Lunar New Year with Lion Dances and musical instruments,” Zhou said. “I’d like to connect to my culture from Asia.”
Julie Gallant
Team Hoa Nghiem performed the Lion Dance on the Poway Library’s patio during a Lunar New Year event. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Lion dancers mingled with a crowd of more than 625 guests celebrating the Lunar New Year. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
The Chinese International Exchange Association performed several dances for the Lunar New Year event. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Traditional Chinese dancers waved colorful banners during their performance. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Danielle Yu greeted guests during her Face Changing performance at the Poway Library. (Julie Gallant)
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Julie Gallant
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Team Hoa Nghiem performed the Lion Dance on the Poway Library’s patio during a Lunar New Year event. (Julie Gallant)
Team Hoa Nghiem performed the Lion Dance, and the Chinese International Exchange Association performed several Chinese dances.
Musicians Amber Chen and Jiehuan Liu performed songs on the Guzheng instrument – among them “Spring Flower” and “Lie Yang Kiver.” Musician Xinyu Wang performed “Zhu Lin Shen Chu” on the Hulusi instrument.
A special Face Changing dance was performed by Danielle Yu.
Other entertainment included a live donkey, face painting and red envelopes provided by the Poway Library.
The program was sponsored by the Friends of the Poway Library in partnership with the Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees.
Julie Gallant
Nine-year-old Danielle Yu, center, shows her traditional Chinese face changing costume with Alex Wong, left, and Rizza Montalbo-Marilag of the Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Sasha the donkey waits patiently while kids decorate her fur with ribbons at the Lunar New Year event. Sasha was brought by Party Pony Express which has a mobile unit that visits sports and church events and birthday parties. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Park Ranger Alejandro Santos, right, displayed animal pelts during the Lunar New Year event. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Six-year-old Charlene Liu, left, and her 8-year-old brother, Charles Liu, show a Chinese Zodiac sign. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Home-based teachers, from left, Cinder Murphy, Yelitza Ryan and Mary Cartin of Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. (CAPSLO) shared information about its Head Start and Early Head Start programs for young children. (Julie Gallant)
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Julie Gallant
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Nine-year-old Danielle Yu, center, shows her traditional Chinese face changing costume with Alex Wong, left, and Rizza Montalbo-Marilag of the Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees. (Julie Gallant)