Bay Area/ San Francisco
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Published on January 15, 2025
San Francisco Embraces Lunar New Year with Cultural Fanfare and Economic InitiativesSource: Nancy Wong, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The City by the Bay is rolling out the red carpet for the Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake with events and celebrations that are as much about cultural pride as they are about economic boost. As per a report by the City and County of San Francisco, the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) is front and center, ensuring traditions aren't only honored but also spell business for local shops and vendors.

Festivities are sprawling across San Francisco, culminating in the standout Chinese New Year Parade on February 15, but the party starts way before that. From the Flower Market Fair, brimming with auspicious blooms and treats, to the Chinatown Community Street Fair, teeming with performances, the city is becoming a veritable hotspot of vibrant customs and economic opportunities. San Francisco's Mayor Daniel Lurie didn't miss the beat, stating, "As the Year of the Snake arrives, this zodiac symbol represents adaptability and resilience, qualities that define San Francisco," according to the City and County of San Francisco. He followed by underscoring the role of small businesses as the "backbone of our city."

The OEWD has put its money where its mouth is, launching a dedicated webpage to be a compass for New Year activities, including shopping guides and event info. Success stories like the father-and-son duo Kenneth and Alan Leong of Ellie and Eva Co. in Chinatown illustrate the city's approach. "We hope we can help families reconnect with their traditional cultural customs," the Leongs told the City and County of San Francisco after becoming part of the esteemed Legacy Business Registry in 2023.