Chinese New Year in San Antonio means that it's time for another colorful parade on the renowned downtown River Walk. The Lunar New Year Lantern Parade, supported by the San Antonio River Walk Association, features over a dozen floats with large illuminated lanterns in the shapes of animals, flowers, and various symbols. The procession occurs on select nights from 6 to 9 pm over the course of two weeks. The boat parade is free to watch.
Another event during the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities is the Asian Festival held by the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures. The annual event features cultural performances, martial arts, dances and music, traditional food, educational displays, and various crafts at the Institute located on Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard. The festival, which hosts two stages, is dedicated to the culture of China, India, and the nations of the Pacific.
