On Sat., Feb. 9 and Sun., Feb. 10, the
Fair Oaks Mall, located in Fairfax County, Virginia, held its 10th annual Lunar New Year Festival.
Upon arrival at the mall, visitors immediately notice the shopping center was decorated in celebration of the New Year. Numerous lanterns were hung from the ceiling and trees throughout the mall, and a large dragon suspended from the ceiling in the mall's center court.
In the center of the Fair Oaks Mall, this dragon appeared to float above the center court
In honor of the New Year, many decorations were hung throughout Northern Virginia's Fair Oaks Mall
The 2-day event featured performances of Chinese dragon dances, music, martial arts, a variety of cultural traditional dances, multicultural displays and more. Additionally, there were crafts for the children and a special lantern festival as part of the weekend lineup.
Performers from many countries presented shows and exhibitions to celebrate this Year of the Snake. China, Korea, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Tahiti and the 50th state of Hawaii were all represented in this weekend's celebration.
Digital Journal attended Sunday's event, which began at 1 p.m. At this time many visitors to the mall gathered around the mall's center court to watch the show.
The celebration in photos:
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The celebration begins as the dragon comes out as a large crowd looks on.
Traditional dragon dance is performed during the 2013 Lunar New Year celebration
Initially sleeping, after a ceremony to wake the lion is conducted, onlookers watch as the lion begins to awaken.
This year marks the 10th Lunar New Year Festival at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, Virginia
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The celebration is now in full swing as this performer moves briefly to the side during a performance.
Traditional dances were held at the Fair Oaks Mall to celebrate Lunar Year 4711
The Lunar New Year celebratory event this weekend was filled with traditional customs and dance.
Performers demonstrating a form using the staff
Several Martial Arts demonstrations were highlighted in this year's event
This 10th annual Lunar New Year Festival at the Fair Oaks Mall was produced with the Washington Hai Hua Community Center, a nonprofit organization established in 1989 that serves as a bridge between new immigrants and American society. State Farm Insurance and Long & Foster Real Estate sponsored the event.
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