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    Asia Mall rings in Year of the Wood Snake with dance, music, and tradition

    Jeremy PeyerBy 2 Mins Read
    Welcoming the Year of the Wood Snake, dancers from the Chinese American Association of Minnesota’s Chinese Dance Theater perform the traditional dragon dance during the Lunar New Year celebration at Eden Prairie’s Asia Mall on Jan. 25. Photos by Jeremy Peyer

    Asia Mall hosted its third annual Lunar New Year Festival on Jan. 25-26, celebrating the upcoming Year of the Wood Snake with cultural performances, traditional music, and community festivities.

    A member of the Wattanak Dance Troupe scatters flower petals during a performance.

    The two-day event featured dragon and lion dances, classical music, Chinese opera, and cultural performances reflecting Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean traditions. Local youth and cultural groups from the Twin Cities also participated, highlighting the area’s diversity.

    The Lunar New Year officially begins on Wednesday, Jan. 29, ushering in the Year of the Wood Snake, which is associated with wisdom, transformation, and resilience in the Chinese zodiac’s 12-year cycle.

    Asia Mall, which opened in 2022, has become a hub for cultural gatherings in the southwest metro. Its Lunar New Year festival has grown in attendance each year, drawing families and visitors eager to take part in the holiday’s traditions.

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    The Minhua Chorus fills Asia Mall with melody while performing “Snowflake” during the Lunar New Year festivities.
    Members of the Chinese American Association of Minnesota Chinese Dance Theater pose for a ceremonial photo with community leaders, including Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case (center), after performing the Dragon Dance to open the Lunar New Year celebration.
    Performers invite audience members on stage for an impromptu dance lesson during Asia Mall’s Lunar New Year celebration.
    The Wattanak Dance Troupe performs “Neary Chea Chour,” a traditional Khmer dance, at Asia Mall’s Lunar New Year celebration.
    At the paper-cutting station, Amelia Eeillard-Cui (left) and Emily Zhang guide visitors in creating traditional Chinese folk art, which has adorned windows and doors since ancient times. The intricate paper designs are believed to bring luck and happiness during festivities.
    (From left) McKenzie, Aimee, Ella, Chloe, Tracy Tran, and Taelyn pose in front of cultural displays during Lunar New Year celebrations at Asia Mall.
    Storyteller and author Phuoc Tran presents her collection of Vietnamese children’s books at Asia Mall’s Lunar New Year celebration.
    State Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL-49B, Eden Prairie) speaks during the opening ceremonies at Asia Mall’s Lunar New Year celebration.
    The Minhua Chorus children’s ensemble performs during Lunar New Year celebrations at Asia Mall.
    Amelia Eeillard-Cui (left) and Emily Zhang demonstrate traditional Chinese paper-cutting techniques at Asia Mall’s Lunar New Year celebration.
    The Wattanak Dance Troupe showcases traditional Cambodian dance at Asia Mall’s Lunar New Year celebration.
    Lunar New Year decorations provide a festive backdrop for visitors outside Asia Mall.
    Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case addresses the crowd during Lunar New Year festivities at Asia Mall.
    The Minhua Chorus children’s ensemble performs during Lunar New Year festivities at Asia Mall as the crowd looks on.
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