Hakone’s Lunar New Year Festival Celebrates Year of the Rooster and Centennial on Feb. 19

Hakone Estate and Gardens, one of the oldest Japanese gardens in the U.S. and celebrating its 100th anniversary, will celebrate the Chinese “Year of the Rooster” at its 9th Annual Lunar New Year Festival on Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hakone, an oasis of Zen high above Silicon Valley, will feature special Chinese culinary delights at the celebration, as well entertainment such as martial arts and Tai Chi demonstrations, traditional music performances, animated films from Chinese Academy of Art. The Far East Dragon Lion Dance Association will usher in the year and kick off the last year of Hakone’s three-year centennial celebration with a colorful and elaborate triple-lion dance. The 2015-17 centennial commemorates the three-year process of creating Hakone, from inspiration to completion.

Back by popular demand, Hakone will hold a children’s lunar festival costume parade in the garden, where children 12 and under wear festive Asian outfits and receive a souvenir gift (parents must register their children by noon). Kids can also enjoy craft activities, such as face-painting and calligraphy, as well as a Chinese trinket bazaar and boutique booth, and much more.

The event is free with the admission, which is $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and kids under 5 are free. Members and a guest can enjoy free admission. A free shuttle bus available at the following location in downtown Saratoga: 14460 Big Basin Way (in front of Saratoga Chamber of Commerce). Limited parking is available at Hakone for $20 per car.

For more information on Hakone’s fascinating history or other upcoming events visit www.Hakone.com.

EDITORS: Photos of the gardens and previous festivals are available.

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