Newark Celebrates Lunar New Year with Vibrant Community Event

Local leaders organize festival featuring lion dancing, taiko drumming, and community group booths

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Newark residents recently packed the Newark Library for a lively Lunar New Year celebration organized by State Sen. Aisha Wahab and Newark Councilmember Julie Del Catancio. The event highlighted Newark's growing Asian American representation and featured performances by the long-running Wadaiko Taiko group, as well as tables from local community organizations encouraging neighbors from across the Tri-City area to come together and celebrate.

Why it matters

The Lunar New Year celebration in Newark showcases the city's increasing diversity and commitment to fostering a sense of community. As the Bay Area's demographics continue to evolve, events like this help bring people together across cultural lines and celebrate the rich tapestry of Newark's population.

The details

The Lunar New Year celebration at the Newark Library featured traditional lion dancing, taiko drumming performances, and booths from various local community groups. The event was organized by State Sen. Aisha Wahab and Newark Councilmember Julie Del Catancio to highlight Newark's growing Asian American representation and provide an opportunity for residents from across the Tri-City area to come together and celebrate.

  • The Lunar New Year celebration took place recently in Newark.

The players

Aisha Wahab

State Senator representing Newark.

Julie Del Catancio

Newark City Councilmember.

Wadaiko Taiko

A long-running taiko drumming group that performed at the event.

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What they’re saying

“Newark's Lunar New Year celebration highlighted the city's growing Asian American representation and provided an opportunity for the entire community to come together and celebrate.”

— Aisha Wahab, State Senator (Tricityvoice.com)

The takeaway

Events like Newark's Lunar New Year celebration play an important role in fostering a sense of community and celebrating the diversity that makes the city unique. As the Bay Area continues to evolve, these types of inclusive, community-driven celebrations will be crucial for bringing people together and strengthening the bonds that tie neighborhoods like Newark together.