Photos and article by Charlie McKee
"Kung Hei Fat Choi" or Happy Chinese New Year 2013 was the theme of the Feb. 1 First Friday Celebration in historic downtown Silver City.
Silver City MainStreet celebrated by hosting Chinese Lion Dancers from Albuquerque, who traversed Bullard Street, entertaining all who followed in their wake. The dance troupe, led by Sifu Kenny Wang of the Nanbei Wushu School in Albuquerque, carries on the ancient Chinese tradition of Lion Dancing in New Mexico.
At each downtown place of business, the Lions entered bringing good luck for the New Year and taking any evil spirits away with them. Chinese drum and gong provided the penetrating background beat to the dance.
While the Lions roared, Martha Everett demonstrated Qigong, a quieter form of traditional Chinese movement, at other MainStreet businesses.
Photos and article by Charlie McKee
Chinese New Year First Friday
Chinese New Year First Friday
Chinese Lion #1 rises on his hind legs and roars in good luck and prosperity for Javalina Coffee House in the New Year.
http://www.grantcountybeat.com/images/2013_news-items/Chinese_First_Friday_Feb/Lion1 Roars small.jpg
Chinese New Year First Friday
Eva Wang maintains a soul-stirring beat outside Javalina Coffee House as the Chinese Lion Dancers wow spectators inside and out.
http://www.grantcountybeat.com/images/2013_news-items/Chinese_First_Friday_Feb/Drummer2 small.jpg
Chinese New Year First Friday
One of the Chinese Dancers keeps a close watch on the two ferocious Lions.
Chinese New Year First Friday
A momentary peek inside Chinese Lion #2.
Chinese New Year First Friday
As Polly Cook, owner of Javalina Coffee House, waves goodbye, the two Chinese Lions back out of Javalina, taking any evil spirits away.
http://www.grantcountybeat.com/images/2013_news-items/Chinese_First_Friday_Feb/Two Lions2 small.jpg
Chinese New Year First Friday
Martha Everett demonstrates the slow grace and control of the Chinese art of Qigong at Alotta Gelato.
http://www.grantcountybeat.com/images/2013_news-items/Chinese_First_Friday_Feb/Martha small.jpg
