Lunar New Year is one of the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. This year, the Lunar New Year began on Jan. 31 marking the start of the Year of the Horse in the Chinese Zodiac. People born in the Year of the Horse are thought to be energetic, clever, warm-hearted, able and popular.

On March 8, the Harbor Bay Intercultural Committee will hold its 16th Spring Festival at the Harbor Bay Landing Shopping Center to celebrate the new year. The festival is organized by the Harbor Bay Intercultural Committee and sponsored by the Community of Harbor Bay Isle Owners’ Association, Harbor Bay Landing, LLC and many business associations in Alameda and Oakland.

A variety of talents will perform live music, multicultural dances, martial arts and a lion dance. There will also be Chinese calligraphy and brush painting, Tai Chi, hand-pulled noodle and fruit-carving demonstrations, a balloon clown and arts and crafts for children.

The celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Booths open at 11 a.m. while the stage performances begin at noon. Bring a lawn chair. Admission is free. The fun takes place at the Harbor Bay Landing Shopping Center courtyard by Safeway, 875-887 Island Drive.

For more information, contact Raymond Tang at 816-0333 or raywtang22@gmail.com.