Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor, Michigan, hosted its 10th annual Lunar New Year celebration on February 12, 2026, bringing together hundreds of attendees for a vibrant display of traditions and performances. Families and children participated in various crafts while being entertained by a blend of cultural performances that included traditional music and martial arts.
The festivities kicked off with a lively parade featuring a line of dragons, followed by a procession of waist drummers. As the mall filled with the sounds of drums and music, visitors enjoyed an array of performances by members of the local Ann-Hua Chinese School. The event exemplified the community’s commitment to celebrating its rich cultural heritage.
Zhu Li, director of the Board of Directors at Ann-Hua, spoke about the significance of this year’s milestone anniversary. He highlighted the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the organization continued its celebrations even during difficult times. “Even during the pandemic, we had a very small-scale celebration, but we didn’t miss that year,” Li said. “Besides the mall celebration, we also collaborate with Ann Arbor District Library, where we’ll be putting on a few performances and doing more arts and crafts this Saturday.”
The celebration provided an opportunity for members of the community to connect with their roots. Angela Xu, a freshman at Skyline High School, expressed her passion for music as she played the erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument with a history spanning over a thousand years. “I love music, and I really want to be a musician. I think I will play it for the rest of my life,” Xu said.
Attendees included those who, despite being away from their families, found joy in participating in the festivities. Alycia Pietrzak, a University of Michigan alum, appreciated the chance to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Ann Arbor. “My coworker went back to China on Thursday to visit her family and to celebrate the Lunar New Year,” Pietrzak said. “I just think it’s super cool that people have the opportunity to celebrate here, too, because it’s expensive going back, and it’s not always practical for everyone.”
Li emphasized the importance of this event in fostering cultural exchange and providing a sense of home for international students. “A lot of international students here in our university come from cultures that celebrate this holiday, and it’s really difficult to be away from home when the holidays occur,” he noted. “So we feel really proud and happy to be able to present our culture and then bring a little sense of home to them.”
The 10th annual Lunar New Year celebration at Briarwood Mall not only highlighted the resilience of the local community but also reinforced the importance of cultural appreciation and connection in a diverse society. As the festivities concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of belonging and a deeper understanding of their shared heritage.
