The Chinese New Year 2016 practically marked the end of the short winter in Las Vegas. This week the sun was up, the sky was blue and the average temperatures around 70’s F° (20’s C°) gave visitors a great sense of happiness and optimism – Just perfect for this celebration :)
Red Chinese lanterns on the blue sky of Las Vegas for the Chinese New Year 2016 Celebration
Chinese New Year 2016 in Las Vegas
The Chinese New Year 2016 started on February 8, and in Las Vegas will last until March 12 – at least at Bellagio Hotel, which takes this event seriously every year.
Chinese New Year of the Monkey at Bellagio Las Vegas
The featured element of the display was a group of 12 Macaque monkeys mounted on an exotic tree, and trying to reach for huge mouth-watering peaches.
Macaque monkeys and peaches at Bellagio Gardens and Conservatory
Monkey sitting on the edge of the fish pond
As usual, master artists and horticulturists created an enchanting Chinese environment. They carefully put together with all the elements that according to the Chinese culture bring good luck and prosperity to the New Year:
1. Fish ponds with running water and real Chinese plants and fishes.
2. Thousands of real flowers growing in small gardens
- I noticed that just like in the other years, the displayed Chinese kids were also made from fresh-cut flowers. They are watered continuously to keep the freshness. Eventually the flowers get replaced from time to time (The Chinese New Year display at Bellagio lasts a little more than two months: from January 9th through March 12).
3. Golden I-Ching Coins and ancient I-Ching text that symbolizes wealth
It looked to me like this year Bellagio hotel was busier than ever – this probably because the Chinese New Year 2016 (the first week) coincided with Valentine’s Day and President’s Day.
More Celebrations of the Chinese New Year 2016 in Las Vegas
Bellagio was not the only party in town. The Chinese New Year 2016 was celebrated in many other places during the week between 8 and 14 February. Here is a list of events from Las Vegas Weekly News.
Chinese New Year 2016 at Caesars Palace
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace displayed a beautiful huge red and gold Dragon, all lit up with hundreds of lights. It was difficult to take a photo of it because of all the people around trying to do the same.
Linq Promenade during Chinese New Year 2016
A novelty for Las Vegas this year was the celebration of Chinese New Year at the Linq Promenade – the place where the famous High Roller Wheel is located.
… and the animated sign at the beginning of the promenade greeted everybody in Chinese and English with wishes of good health and prosperity for the Chinese New Year 2016.
