On the afternoon of February 15, 2025, the Delaware Chinese American Association (DCAA) held the 25th annual Chinese New Year celebration at the Independence Private School auditorium in Newark, Delaware. The event was filled with vibrant performances including dance, children’s dance, Peking opera, and martial arts, attracting many Chinese parents, children, and Westerners who appreciate Chinese culture. Federal Congresswoman for Delaware, Sarah McBride, and Monique Williams-Johns, President of the New Castle County Council, also attended to offer their congratulations.
The program began with a lion dance, followed by greetings in both Chinese and English from the three hosts, Wei Zhang, Fanghan Jiang, and Wenqian Fei. Dr. Jie Zhou, the Chairman of the DCAA Board, then presented community awards to over ten sponsors and businesses, thanking them for their strong support of the event.
Congresswoman McBride, who was attending the DCAA New Year celebration for the first time, expressed her appreciation for the vibrant and diverse Chinese culture that enriches Delaware. She acknowledged the contributions of the Chinese community to the state, stating, “I am lucky to have a thriving Chinese American community in Delaware.”
She also expressed her interest in Chinese culture, saying, “Whether we are talking about food, tea, clothing, or music, Chinese culture is a beautiful, vivid, and colorful picture that enriches our lives, our state, and our country. Therefore, it is hard not to appreciate Chinese arts, culture, fashion, and cuisine.”
In conclusion, McBride shared a message for readers of the Epoch Times, stating, “As we celebrate the Chinese New Year, I hope that together we can reflect on what makes our community so wonderful and think about what each of us can do to continue building Delaware, so that it fully embodies our values in the Year of the Snake and the new year.”
County Council President Williams-Johns also took the stage to wish the audience a prosperous and auspicious new year.