THE LION DANCE is a traditional part of Tet activities (File photo).

Today (Tuesday) is the start of the lunar new year, also known as “Chinese New Year.” It’s the Year of the Tiger and will be widely celebrated today and this week by the large Vietnamese American populations in West Orange County.

The annual Tet Parade is back after COVID-19 interruptions. It will be held on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon along Bolsa Avenue in Westminster from Magnolia Avenue to Bushard Street.

Organizations involved with the parade include the Vietnamese American Federation of Southern California, the Assembly of ARVN Overseas, the Coalition of South Vietnam Veteran Associations and others.

IT’S THE “YEAR OF THE TIGER” (Wikipedia).

There are two Tet Festivals this year, one in Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley, and another at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa.

The Mile Square event, 16801 Euclid St. (between Edinger and Brookhurst streets) is sponsored by the County of Orange and CalOptima. Andrew Do is the county supervisor for District 1.

Admission is free and the festival will run from Friday evening to Sunday night.

There will be carnival rides, cultural performances, lion dances, food vendors and more.

The location is the Freedom Hall Lawn. Hours are 5-10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

At the Fairgrounds, the Union of Vietnamese Student Associations is hosting another Tet Festival on Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 5-6).

Admission is $8, except that there’s free entrance to those who wear traditional outfits (no religious garb), military and Scouting uniforms on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Infants 2 years old and younger are free and must be accompanied by a paying adult.

The schedule of events on Saturday begins at 10:30 a.m.; the last event concludes at 10 p.m. On Sunday, it starts at 10 a.m. and concludes at 8 p.m.