Sunday was a big deal for many reasons. It was Super Bowl Sunday. It was Groundhog Day. And for many people of Asian descent across the world, it marked an essential day of the Lunar New Year Celebration.
"It's like Christmas and New Year's combined," said Peter Dao, Public Relations Director for DFW Viet Radio-870 AM.
The radio station, located near the corner of New York Avenue and Pioneer Parkway in Southeast Arlington, is the largest Vietnamese radio broadcasting company in North Texas and serves a population of more than 130,000 Vietnamese residing in the Metroplex. Sunday marked the third day of the Lunar New Year and radio station hosted an event to celebrate it that featured a Dragon Dance by members of the Phap Quan Temple.
"We celebrate three days," said Dao. "The first day is for family get-togethers. The elders give money to the children, we eat together and remember our ancestors. On the second day, we visit friends and wish them well. On the third day, we may go out shopping and continue to celebrate with events like the Dragon Dance. It is done to give good luck to businesses and prosperity to the families."
2014 marks the Year of the Horse, which is one of the twelve animals of the zodiac. "Each animal has its own character," said Dao. "The horse signifies strength and quickness."
Among the officials on hand to help celebrate the event was State Representative Chris Turner, who represents District 101, which encompasses southeast Tarrant County.
"We are very proud to have Dallas Vietnamese radio here in our district and in the City of Arlington," Turner said. "The Asian American community in Arlington is growing and is a vibrant part of our community. It's exciting to see the celebration of the Lunar New Year and help celebrate their heritage here today."
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