On Feb 7, 2026, Irvine City’s Great Park hosted its first-ever Lunar New Year Parade & Festival, attracting thousands of enthusiastic spectators to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
The event was presented by the City of Irvine in collaboration with the Asian American Museum at Great Park and the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center (SCCCA), showcasing a wide variety of Asian cultural elements.
Families and children enjoyed the parade performances along the route, experiencing the festive atmosphere filled with laughter, cheers, and excitement.
A Rich Blend of Cultures on Display
The parade followed the Great Park Historical Timeline Walkway and featured numerous school bands and community performance groups.
SCCCA’s community groups, together with other Asian cultural organizations, presented Chinese folk dance, Chinese orchestra, Wushu, and children’s choir performances, allowing families and children to experience Chinese culture up close.
Audiences not only enjoyed the performances but also gained insight into the cultural stories and traditions behind each art form, enriching the community’s cultural life.
The Southern California Chinese Dance Company and the South Coast Chinese Orchestra combined traditional melodies with modern rhythms, perfectly presenting the energy and grace of Chinese culture.
Chinese folk dance and traditional music intertwined along the route, drawing spectators to stop, take photos, and cheer for the performers, creating a lively and joyful scene.
The South Coast Wushu Team followed with performances combining strength, skill, and artistry, blending traditional techniques with modern stage presence to captivate the audience.
The Irvine Little Singers also delighted with their charming and energetic Lunar New Year performance, spreading the joy of the Year of the Horse and adding a playful, youthful touch to the parade.
Applause was continuous, with strong interaction between the performers and the audience.
From Community Classes to Cultural Stages
Performances like these are built step by step from SCCCA’s community classes.
Every dancer, musician, and martial artist starts with foundational courses and, through ongoing practice and participation in performances, develops the skills to present shows of this caliber.
To learn more about courses or registration, please visit our website or contact cp@sccca.org.
The South Coast Chinese Cultural Center continues to offer vibrant artistic experiences and promote cultural heritage within the community.