ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan hosted an event yesterday evening to celebrate the Lunar New Year at Government House. One of the world’s most prominent and celebrated festivals, this LunarYear, which officially begins on February 16, welcomes the Year of the Dog. The event marked the fourth consecutive Lunar New Year celebration since Governor Hogan took office.

“Increasing engagement with tens of thousands of Asian American Marylanders has been a key effort of our administration,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I’d like to take a moment to thank this important community for their contributions to our economy and volunteerism, and the important role they play in changing Maryland for the better. We remain committed to fostering a rich, vibrant, and flourishing Asian American community here in Maryland.”

More than 200 guests attended this year‘s celebration, including representatives from the Chinese Embassy, Korean Embassy, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office.

The Lunar New Year is an important festival in many Asian traditions, and continues to be celebrated by various Asian American communities across Maryland, including Maryland’s Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese populations.