News

February 17, 2026

Worcester, MA –  The EcoTarium welcomed over 1,100 visitors to a culturally rich Lunar New Year Celebration on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The event featured a spectacular live Lion Dance performance by the SUN Lion Dance Team from the Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts (SEACMA).  EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Smith told the crowd that nearly 2 billion people around the world were celebrating Lunar New Year along with the City of Worcester.

Local dignitaries including Mayor Joe Petty, Senator Robyn Kennedy, District 2 Worcester City Councilor Robert Bilotta, and District 4 City Councilor Luis Ojeda attended the celebration and spoke about the importance of celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Worcester through events such as Lunar New Year. 

“It was wonderful to watch the SUN Lion Dance Team and visit one of Worcester’s exciting institutions for science, The EcoTarium,” said Mayor Joe Petty. “I wish everyone good health, prosperity, good luck, and happiness as we celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse.”

At noontime, visitors enjoyed the energetic Lion Dance Performance, which was a mesmerizing dance of the lions that brought the spirit of Lunar New Year to life. 

Throughout the day, visitors participated in a variety of educator-led programs and interactive activities, including a zookeeper chat on snake feeding and making paper lanterns. Visitors were treated to fortune cookies and mandarin oranges symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.

“The EcoTarium was thrilled to once again host a Lunar New Year celebration and welcome in the Year of the Horse”, said Debra Shear, Chief Advancement Officer. Based on the number of attendees, it’s clear that this is a tradition that people look forward to and enjoy. The SUN Lion Dance Team delivered an energetic and engaging performance that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. We look forward to hosting this event again next year.”