3.15.2024 Governor Moore Praised the Culture of the Lunar New Year, CCACC joined the event

At the outset of the 2024 Lunar New Year, Mr. Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland, led his administrative team in celebrating the Lunar New Year with representatives from Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations and communities. Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC) dedicating to serving the community, was invited to participate in this grand event. 

This celebration was hosted by the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives on the night of Friday, March 8th at the Rouse Company Foundation Building in Howard Community College.

A joyous and festive gathering

As guests entered the foyer, they were greeted by elaborate Lunar New Year decorations and displays. At the beginning of the program, the M.C. Ms. Julia Chang invited attendees who were dressing in their traditional attires to participate in the "Cultural Fashion Walk". This joyful parade, which showed various cultural styles including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino, and more, added an extra touch of festivity. Following this, many attendees were invited to wish "Happy New Year" in their respective languages.

Ms. Aruna Miller, Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, gave an opening remark. She mentioned several celebrities born in the Year of the Dragon, and she herself is a Dragon as well. As soon as she announced her zodiac sign, she received a warm round of applause.

Governor Moore 恭喜發財 to all

Governor Moore, whose zodiac sign is Horse, delivered his keynote remarks by the first words "恭喜發財" (May you be happy and prosperous) in Chinese, eliciting another round of applause. He recognized the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year, and he stated that we are not only celebrating diverse cultures but also strengthening communities through it. Governor Moore also acknowledged the efforts of his administrative team, including Ms. Susan Lee, Secretary of State of Maryland. Finally, Governor Moore extended his congratulations for the Lunar New Year, ending his remarks with "恭喜發財" (May you be happy and prosperous) again.

It is worth mentioning that Ms. Christina Poy, the Administrative Director of the Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, also took the stage to wish everyone "龍年快樂" (Happy Dragon Year) and "恭喜發財" (May you be happy and prosperous) in Chinese and Cantonese.

Spectacular performances

A spectacular lion dance performance brought another highlight to the event, with guests traditionally feeding the lions red envelopes of money, and the Governor Moore feeding the lions symbolic cabbage representing good luck and wealth, further elevating the celebratory atmosphere. Other performances included waist drum dances, traditional fan dances, Guzheng performances, and puppet dances presented by various ethnic groups. The Lunar New Year celebration concluded amidst wishes of "新年快樂" (Happy New Year) from all sides. Many attendees left feeling inspired to continue the mission of preserving and promoting traditional cultures.

CCACC continues to promote traditional culture

As well known, every Lunar New Year, Chinese communities around the world hold celebrations, and CCACC has been adhering to this tradition for more than 20 years. In February, CCACC once again held Lunar New Year celebrations at Westfield Montgomery Mall and Westfield Wheaton Mall. The wonderful performances and cultural activities attracted a large number of audiences and were well received by people. CCACC will continue to dedicate itself to promoting Chinese culture with unwavering commitment.

You are welcome to click on the links below to watch videos of CCACC's Lunar New Year celebrations at Montgomery Mall and Wheaton Mall:

Montgomery Mall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QnYsrXoNUg

Wheaton Mall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym-f4LgpKVo

(Article by CCACC Administrative Office)

Before the Lunar New Year celebration event began, everyone joyfully took photos together.

Ms. Susan Lee, Secretary of State of Maryland (the eight from the right);

Ms. Christina Poy, Administrative Director, Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (the sixth from the left);

Dr. Clarence Lam, Maryland State Senator (the seventh from the right);

Ms. Li-Fang Liu, CCACC Deputy Executive Director (the sixth from the right);

Ms. May Zhou, CCACC Executive Secretary (the fifth from the right);

Ms. Chiao-Chiao Liu, CCACC Community Services Director (the fourth from the right).

 

A group photo was taken with Ms. Li-Fang Liu, CCACC Deputy Executive Director (the third from the right), and community representatives dressed in traditional ethnic costumes.

The event started with a “Cultural Fashion Walk”, where everyone casually strolled around, instantly enlivening the festive atmosphere.

Governor Moore (leftmost) read out a proclamation, acknowledging the traditional culture celebrated during the Lunar New Year festivities.

The lion dance performance brought another highlight to the entire event.

From the right to the left:

Ms. Susan Lee, Secretary of State of Maryland;

Ms. Aruna Miller, Lieutenant Governor of Maryland;

Mr. Wes Moore, Maryland Governor;

Ms. Christina Poy, Administrative Director, Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs;

Dr. Yang Yu, Chair Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.