Thousands of Visitors Enjoyed a Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Performances Despite the Cold Weather
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the Lunar New Year Festival on Havana Street in Aurora concluded successfully, drawing thousands of visitors despite the chilly weather. Now in its second year, the festival celebrated the Year of the Snake, offering attendees a diverse range of performances and cultural experiences.
The Stampede (2430 S. Havana St., Aurora, CO 80014) served as the lively venue, where a fusion of tradition and modern entertainment captivated audiences. Chance Horiuchi, Executive Director of On Havana Street, expressed gratitude to the community, stating, “This incredible success would not have been possible without the support of the broader Asian community, including the Korean-American community.”
Jennifer Kim, Co-Chair of Aurora Sister Cities Korea Committee, added, “The participation of the Korean community was particularly remarkable this year. The number of visitors has more than doubled compared to last year, making this an even more meaningful event. We are already looking forward to next year’s celebration.”
Strong Participation from the Korean Community, Enthusiastic Visitor Response
The Korean community played a particularly prominent role in this year’s festival, with various activities and performances drawing significant attention.
▪ Aurora Sister Cities Ktown provided a Korean calligraphy station where visitors could have their names beautifully written in Hangul and offered complimentary Korean instant coffee, both of which were met with enthusiastic responses. Visitors marveled at their handwritten Korean names, exclaiming, “Beautiful!”
▪ Second Home Community (a daycare service) set up an interactive booth where staff dressed visitors in traditional Korean hanbok and provided themed props for commemorative photos. Despite the high turnout making it a demanding experience, staff members shared their excitement, stating, “It was incredibly rewarding to introduce Korean culture to so many people.”
▪ Korean high school student Haein Kang showcased his collection of traditional Korean musical instruments (gayageum, haegeum, sogo, and kkwaenggwari) alongside Chinese (erhu, pipa) and Japanese (koto, shamisen) instruments, attracting the curiosity of many attendees. The interactive exhibition provided visitors with a deeper appreciation of traditional music.
▪ KREAM, a Korean food vendor specializing in kimchi and jangajji (pickled vegetables), anticipated a modest turnout due to the cold weather but was pleasantly surprised by overwhelming demand, selling out their stock much faster than expected.
▪ US Taekwondo Team delivered a thrilling performance, including board-breaking, poomsae, and martial arts demonstrations, earning loud applause from the crowd. Their grand finale combined taekwondo with dance, energizing the audience.
▪ Before the K-pop performances, high school student Sua Lee gave a captivating gayageum performance, impressing attendees with her exceptional skills. Many visitors eagerly recorded videos, capturing the mesmerizing blend of tradition and contemporary artistry.
▪ The K-pop stage featured standout performances by Gyumin and Chanyeong, winners of the 2024 K-pop Rockstar Competition. Non-Korean participant Aiden performed “Bamyanggaeng” and the classic Korean pop hit “Apartment” while wearing hanbok, prompting the audience to sing along in an electrifying moment.
▪ KonnectPop’s K-pop dance showcase featured dynamic cover dance performances, followed by live music performances by David Park and Jay, intensifying the festival’s excitement.
Throughout the event, DJ Innaseoul and DJ Done kept the energy high with electrifying music, adding to the festive atmosphere.
▪ Food stalls run by Korean businesses, including ‘Coco Street’ and ‘Meokja Food Truck,’ saw long lines despite the cold weather, highlighting the growing popularity of Korean cuisine among festival-goers.
A Stage That Blended Tradition and Modernity
The festival seamlessly combined traditional and contemporary performances, offering a diverse lineup on the main stage and outdoor parking lot that captivated attendees.
Cultural Performances Featured:
▪ Japanese flute performance by Miki Saito & Taiko drumming by Denver Taiko
▪ Hip-hop showcase by Filipino artist Meta Sarmiento
▪ Martial arts demonstration by US Taekwondo
▪ Lion and dragon dance performances by Guiding Mountain
▪ High-energy DJ performances by DJ Innaseoul and DJ Done
▪ K-pop performances curated by Sean Choi, featuring KonnectPop’s dance showcase
The firecracker celebrations held in the outdoor parking lot further enhanced the Lunar New Year festivities, immersing attendees in the holiday spirit.
The Dedication of Volunteers Made the Festival Shine
The festival’s success would not have been possible without the many dedicated volunteers who played key roles throughout the event. Volunteers assisted in event setup, managing children’s activities, food service, and social media coverage, ensuring the smooth operation of the festival.
Event organizers emphasized, “This event would not have been as successful without the selfless efforts of our volunteers. We deeply appreciate their contributions.”
On Havana Street Lunar New Year Festival Becomes a Signature Event
The 2025 On Havana Street Lunar New Year Festival was more than just a holiday celebration—it was a powerful representation of Aurora’s diverse cultural identity. The festival brought together various communities, strengthening cultural appreciation and unity.
The Korean community’s involvement played a crucial role in the festival’s success, with Korean cultural booths and performances standing out as key highlights.
With each passing year, the On Havana Street Lunar New Year Festival continues to grow, solidifying its reputation as a premier multicultural event in the region.
Anticipation for the 2026 Lunar New Year Festival is already building.
