Galloping into the year of the horse, Santa Clarita residents celebrated Lunar New Year with festivities hosted by the County of Los Angeles.
Held in Val Verde Park, Dr. Richard H. Rioux Memorial Park in Stevenson Ranch and the Ryan M. Clinkunbroomer Castaic Sports Complex, attendees had the opportunity to indulge in cuisines, engage in crafts and even learn about the traditions of the respective countries that partake in the celebrations.
Based on the Chinese zodiac, the horse is the seventh animal out of 12 to represent a year, following the snake and preceding the goat.
The year of the horse entails the following years within the last 70 years: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 and 2026.
2026 is not just the year of the horse, but the year of the Fire Horse. Rotating between the 12 animals and 10 symbols that represent the yin and yang versions of five elements — water, metal, earth, fire and wood — the year of the Fire Horse is set to be a year of high energy.
The last time the Fire Horse year occurred was in 1966.
“The craft that the kids could participate in is decorating their own lantern, then we have some food tasting, which was egg rolls today. Some of the kids used chopsticks, as well. The kids always respond to the inflatables, [like the horse inflatable],” Michaela Gonzalez, recreation services leader, said. “I just learned that these fans, that you can think are generic, are symbolized in so many different parts of the culture.”
According to Gonzalez, an attendee at Dr. Richard H. Rioux Memorial Park explained to her that each fan can symbolize status and origin within Chinese culture.
“I learned that each fan can have its own little meaning, from where to who made it and what they even sacrificed to keep being able to make them. It’s just amazing to hear somebody share their story. You’re always going to see different versions, too, whether it’s a family ‘Americanizing’ or keeping a tradition,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez is learning more about cultures and traditions, even with events like these put on every year.
“The year of the horse is supposed to symbolize a lot of new things. We had some of the money bags, as well. The way you present it has to be with both hands and [not opened in front of the giver] for you to be given the good luck,” Gonzalez said. “It’s not just an envelope, it represents a lot more. When you’re giving good fortune, it’s not just your family. It’s generational. Either way, it’s always a positive message.”
Juan Fernandez, recreation services supervisor for Castaic, discussed the activities that were done on his first day on the job after working in Val Verde for nearly a year.
“I would say the biggest difference between Castaic and Val Verde is the park size. This park does have a lot more programming compared to Val Verde, but Val Verde does also have a lot of unity and is a historical park. The senior program over there is great. I know, here, sports is a big thing. I’m very excited about basketball here — it’s my passion,” Fernandez said.
Castaic held different activities compared to Stevenson Ranch, including a martial arts demonstration and tea tasting.
“I want to expand on everything that was done before. I’m hopeful to bring in even more vendors, explore more decorations and do more demonstrations later on. Today, we’re having a martial arts master come out and do demonstrations with the kids, so that way they can come and participate with us,” Fernandez said. “I want people to know that Castaic is the place for all cultural events. As time progresses, we will see a lot more people coming to the parks to celebrate Lunar New Year with everyone.”
