CMAA’s Lunar New Year event in Chicago to bring together culture, food, and community leaders
The Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) will host its annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Augustine College, located at 1345 W. Argyle St. in Chicago. The event, which leads up to the Argyle Lunar New Year Parade, will celebrate the Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and transformation in the Chinese zodiac.
This free, public event will feature live cultural performances by CMAA youth, raffle prizes, and complimentary food, creating a vibrant atmosphere to welcome the lunar new year. The celebration is expected to attract about 500 attendees, including local, state, and federal officials, as well as foreign diplomats who support CMAA’s mission of serving immigrants and refugees in the Chicagoland area.
Notable confirmed guests include:
- U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
- U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi
- Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton
- Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham
- Illinois State Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza
- Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs
- Illinois State Senators Mike Simmons (7th District) and Ram Villivalam (8th District)
- Illinois State Representatives Hoan Huynh (13th District) and Lindsey LaPointe (19th District)
- Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and Chicago Clerk Anna Valencia
- Several Chicago Aldermen and Cook County Circuit Court representatives
Additionally, representatives from the Consulate of Mongolia, the Consulate General of the Philippines, and the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office will join the festivities, highlighting the global significance of the celebration.
Lunar New Year, celebrated by communities around the world, represents renewal, reflection, and cultural pride. The Year of the Snake emphasizes qualities such as wisdom, adaptability, and transformation, mirroring the resilience of immigrant communities. CMAA’s event is a reflection of Chicago’s cultural diversity and the contributions of its immigrant and refugee populations.
Founded by refugees in 1981, CMAA has grown into a key social services agency that annually serves over 5,000 clients from more than 40 countries. Its services include job preparation, youth programs, adult education, elderly care, immigration assistance, and economic development resources aimed at empowering immigrant and refugee communities.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: St. Augustine College, 1345 W. Argyle St., Chicago, IL 60640
- Admission: Free
- RSVP & More Info: www.chinesemutualaid.org
The public is invited to join in this cultural celebration, enjoy traditional performances, and connect with community leaders as Chicago ushers in the Year of the Snake. For more information on CMAA’s programs, visit their website at www.chinesemutualaid.org.
