Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) on Sunday, January 29, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The 11th annual Lunar New Year Festival will feature traditional Chinese, Korean, and Taiwanese crafts, games, and more.
Special performances and activities are scheduled throughout the event for visitors to soak in the cultural celebration that welcomes the arrival of Spring. The community can tap their feet to K-pop dancing by Illusion Dance Team, and “K-Stars” featuring Echo Effect and Levanter Dance Team. Enjoy the sounds of the Lord’s Church McAllen Choir and musical pieces by local violist Young Sin Choi. UTRGV Korean Language students will perform a traditional samulnori,(percussion), poetry reading, and singing. Lastly, Torres Taekwondo Academy will showcase martial arts with a lively demonstration.
Discover the art of calligraphy with calligraphers Pierre Lu, Chandler Kang and Mijin Oh-Villarreal. Savor traditional teas and candies in the tasting room. Local eateries Snow Bite and Han's Katsuya will be selling boba tea, spring rolls, and gyuza. Paper fan painting will also be available for an additional $2 per participant (limited supply).
“For over a decade, we have expanded this popular event to include more cultural perspectives with the support of local Asian and Asian-American communities. Visitors gain much insight on how Lunar New Year is celebrated through performance, food, art, games, and togetherness. I am eager to welcome the Year of the Rabbit with our supporting partners,” stated IMAS Director of Education, Claudia Martinez Gray.
Festival admission is $5 with discounted $3 for children ages 4-12, students with an ID and senior citizens 65+. Children 3 and under and IMAS Members receive free admission. Advanced tickets are recommended for express entry.
Special thanks to participating partners UTRGV Writing and Language Studies – Korean, Chamsarang Korean Presbyterian Church, International Mission Church, Lord’s Church of McAllen, Taiwanese American Association, and the Chinese American Association. This event is supported by the IMAS Guild, the volunteer auxiliary group raising awareness and support for the museum for over 50 years.
The museum is located at the intersection of Bicentennial Way and Nolana Avenue at 1900 W. Nolana in McAllen. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Regular admission is $5 with discounted $3 for children ages 4-12, students with an ID and senior citizens 65+. Please check the website www.theimasonline.org or call (956) 681-2800 for more information.
