RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Hundreds gathered at SF Supermarket in Rancho Cordova over the weekend of Feb. 21-22 to celebrate the Lunar New Year with lion and dragon dances, cultural performances and family-friendly activities marking the Year of the Horse.

Hosted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at SF Supermarket, 2738 Sunrise Blvd., the two-day celebration welcomed several hundred guests, according to Community Engagement Director Mai Nguyen. Families, friends and community members filled the shopping center to honor traditions observed across many Asian cultures.

“The goal of the event was to celebrate Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, which is one of the most important cultural holidays in many Asian communities. Traditionally, the holiday symbolizes renewal, family unity, prosperity, and good fortune for the year ahead.” Nguyen said. “We wanted to create an opportunity for our broader community to come together, learn about the culture and celebrate in a welcoming and festive environment.”

Students and other local organizations performed traditional dances, adding youth representation and cultural pride to the event. Photo by Rick Sloan

Throughout the weekend, the greeting “Gung hay fat choy” echoed across the crowd. The popular Cantonese New Year wish translates to “wishing you great happiness and prosperity,” reflecting hopes for wealth, good fortune and success in the year ahead.

The celebration opened with lion and dragon dances on both days, drawing applause as performers moved rhythmically through the plaza. In Chinese tradition, the lion dance symbolizes the ushering in of good fortune, prosperity and joy while driving away negative energy. The dragon dance represents wisdom, power and dignity and is believed to bring luck and ensure a successful year for the community.

Ellie served as emcee, guiding attendees through the performances and activities. Vendors lined the walkways selling goods and food, while karaoke and children’s activities offered opportunities for participation. Red envelopes were distributed to children, a customary Lunar New Year gesture symbolizing blessings and good luck.

Traditionally, the Lunar New Year symbolizes renewal, family unity, prosperity, and good fortune for the year ahead. Photo by Rick Sloan

Students from Monterey Trail High School’s Vietnamese Student Association performed traditional dances, adding youth representation and cultural pride to the event. Their performance was among several highlights Nguyen said resonated with guests.

“One of the biggest highlights was the phenomenal lion and dragon dance that opened the celebration,” Nguyen said. “Guests also enjoyed cultural performances, audience participation activities and open-mic karaoke where many patrons enthusiastically joined in.”

Mall vendors and food court partners contributed to the festive atmosphere, offering a wide variety of dishes that reflected the diverse backgrounds of those in attendance. The food court remained lively throughout both days as families gathered between performances.

Nguyen said the event also served as an educational opportunity, especially for younger attendees. Cultural traditions, history and symbolism were woven into the programming, helping participants better understand the meaning behind the celebrations.

Organizers plan to continue hosting cultural and community events in the future, building on the strong turnout and positive feedback from this year’s celebration. Photo by Rick Sloan

For the SF Supermarket family, Nguyen said, hosting the event reflects both pride in heritage and appreciation for the Rancho Cordova community.

“It means creating a space where culture can be shared, traditions can be celebrated, and families can make joyful memories together,” she said. “We are incredibly proud to be part of this community, and events like this allow us to give back and strengthen those connections.”

Organizers plan to continue hosting cultural and community events in the future, building on the strong turnout and positive feedback from this year’s celebration.

“We received wonderful feedback from attendees who enjoyed the performances, vendors, food selection, and overall festive atmosphere. We are deeply thankful to everyone who joined us and helped make the celebration such a success,” said Nguyen.

Hosted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at SF Supermarket, 2738 Sunrise Blvd., the two-day celebration welcomed several hundred guests. Photo by Rick Sloan