New York: For the first time, public schools across New York were closed on January 29 to mark the start of the Lunar New Year.
"For too long, our AAPI community had to celebrate after work or school," Governor Kathy Hochul said in a Facebook post. "That's why we made it a school holiday – and this year marks the first time students will have it off!"
In 2023, Hochul signed legislation to declare the Asian Lunar New Year a public school holiday across New York State. “By designating Lunar New Year as an official school holiday, we are taking an important step in recognizing the importance of New York’s AAPI community and the rich diversity that makes New York so great,” she had said.
The Lunar New Year begins with the new moon closest to the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, according to National Geographic. The celebrations, which span over two weeks, are marked by elaborate meals, red decorations, and various cultural practices to welcome prosperity and happiness.
According to an NPR report, some local public school districts closed in honor of the Lunar New Year include Philadelphia and San Francisco.
