The Year of the Dog is upon us. Living in Angelino Heights, the annual Chinese New Year Festival is always just a brisk walk away.

Unlike the astrological zodiac, which changes monthly, the Chinese zodiac changes each year. It consists of 12 animals that cycle in the same order. The 12 signs are the Dog, Pig, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, and Rooster. Friday, February 16 marks the beginning of the Year of the Dog and Saturday is the day for the public celebration that closes downtown streets.

The city of Los Angeles will host the Chinese New Year Festival and Parade for the 119^th time this weekend. The event promises a full day of entertainment and cultural appreciation crammed into a few blocks along Hill and Broadway streets.

The vendors and activities will be located at and around Chinatown’s Central Plaza on both the Hill Street and Broadway Street sides. Performances will include traditional dances and martial arts demonstrations along with more contemporary musical acts. Artisan booths will be onsite offering face painting and calligraphy services.

Food is a large part of Chinese New Year customs and there will be no shortage of food and drinks at the Plaza. A craft beer garden will offer a variety of brews including selections from Stone Brewing and Bear Republic. The food selections cover a wide range from the L.A. staple Kogi Truck for Korean taco aficionados to a pop-up booth run by Chef Royce Burke (Secret Lasagna).

The star of the day will undoubtedly be the Dragon Parade. Hill and Broadway will be closed for most of the day as the parade kicks off at 1 PM and travels through Hill before turning the corner at Bernard Street. It will then travel south down Broadway Street and culminate at the Dragon Gates of Broadway and Cesar Chavez Avenue.

Join the festivities this weekend: eat great food, enjoy some music, and take in a magical parade in the center of our metropolis.