New York’s New Official Holiday Happens This Week

In 2023, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed a new law that created a new state holiday in 2024.

Well, that new holiday is happening this week. In September of 2023, New York State Governor Kathy Hocul announced that she signed a bill into law that allows the state to officially recognize the Asian Lunar New Year as a public school holiday.

Most kids this year won't get an extra day off from school, because this year the Asian Lunar New Year happens on Saturday, February 10th.

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WHAT IS THE ASIAN LUNAR NEW YEAR?

The Asian Lunar New Year is the celebration of the first new moon of the lunar calendar.

WHAT IS A LUNAR CALENDAR?

The lunisolar calendar is a calendar whose months are moon cycles

WHEN IS THE ASIAN LUNAR NEW YEAR?

There is no set date for the Asian Lunar New Year. It changes every year based on the moon cycle. The next Asian Lunar New Year will be on February 10th, 2024.

According to the Buffalo News, over the weekend the State Senator from Buffalo Sean Ryan issued a statement in support of the new law.

“The holidays we celebrate are a reflection of the great diversity of the people who call New York home. The designation of Lunar New Year as a statewide public school holiday will ensure families can celebrate together, and is a recognition of the strength of AAPI communities here in Western New York and across our state,”