Chinese mark
their new year

Chinese New Year observances begin today as the Chinatown Merchants Association hosts its annual Night in Chinatown. Maunakea Street will close to traffic to feature live entertainment, craft sales, New Year gifts and food booths.

The parade, featuring martial arts, lion groups, a 25-foot dragon, music groups and more, begins at the State Capitol grounds on Richards Street and proceeds down Hotel Street to River Street. Grand marshal for the parade will be Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

It's free. The Lunar New Year starts Feb. 9. Other events are:

Feb. 4

» Chinatown Cultural Plaza (at Maunakea and Beretania streets): Fireworks, lion blessings and entertainment, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

» Wilcox Park, Fort Street Mall: Stages will be set up for dance groups, cultural demos, and craft and food booths, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

» Pauahi Street: "Friday after 5" craft fair features artisans and food vendors, from 5 p.m.

Feb. 5

» Chinatown Cultural Plaza: Celebration from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., when there will be fireworks, lion blessings and traditional entertainment.