Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor hosted its 10th annual Lunar New Year celebration on February 12, 2026. The event drew hundreds of visitors, who were welcomed by a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary performances. A lively parade featured a procession of dragons and traditional waist drummers, setting the stage for an afternoon filled with cultural expression.
The celebration showcased an array of performances, including song, dance, and martial arts, all presented by members of the Ann-Hua Chinese School. This milestone event not only highlights the rich heritage of the local Chinese community but also serves as a platform for cultural exchange with the wider Ann Arbor area.
In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Zhu Li, director of Ann-Hua’s Board of Directors, reflected on the importance of this year’s celebration. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Li noted that the community remained resilient. “Even during the pandemic, we had a very small-scale celebration, but we didn’t miss that year,” Li explained. “Besides the mall celebration, we also collaborate with the Ann Arbor District Library, where we’ll be putting on a few performances and doing more arts and crafts this Saturday.”
The event offered a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with their cultural roots. Angela Xu, a freshman at Skyline High School, shared her passion for music through her performance on 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 stated.
The significance of the celebration extended beyond cultural pride, providing comfort to those far from home. Alycia Pietrzak, a University of Michigan alum, expressed her appreciation for the event while reflecting on her own experiences. “My coworker went back to China on Thursday to visit her family and to celebrate the Lunar New Year,” she remarked. “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 echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Ann-Hua’s mission to foster cultural understanding and support 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,” Li said. “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 Lunar New Year celebration at Briarwood Mall stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the importance of cultural heritage, particularly in times of global challenges. As Ann Arbor’s Chinese community continues to thrive, events like this offer a vital connection to cultural traditions and a reminder of the shared values that unite diverse populations.
