Chinese New Year celebration kicks off Feb. 17 at Boutwell

The 12th annual Chinese New Year Festival will return to Boutwell Auditorium on Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with a rich, colorful sampling of an ancient culture.

The event — hosted by the nonprofit Birmingham Chinese Festival Association — celebrates the Chinese New Year, also referred to as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, which occurs Feb.16.

As always, the event features a wide variety of entertainment, according to Dr. Qiulin Yu, BCFA president for 2017-18.

“The performances include lion and dragon dancing, traditional Chinese dancing, magic, martial arts, yoga, acrobats, Chinese country music and songs,” Yu said.

Each year, the BCFA also invites artists and performers from other countries, such as Korea, Japan, Russia, Mexico and the Philippines.

“Cultural diversity is a great feature of the shows,” Yu said.

Traditional Chinese culture will be on display with character handwriting and paper sculpture. Local Chinese restaurants will offer traditional New Year’s foods, including beef, chicken and dim sum.

Children will be able to play Chinese games, and adults can enter a prize raffle. Vendors will sell New Year decorations and children's toys.

Admission is $5 for adults and free for children ages 12 and younger.