Lantern Festival Lights Up San Gabriel, Bringing the Community Together in Celebration

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple
February 11, 2025

The San Gabriel Lantern Festival, co-hosted by the City of San Gabriel and the World Journal Los Angeles, took place on February 1st & 2nd with exciting events. Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Los Angeles Chapter was invited to participate, with Hsi Lai Temple Abbot Venerable Hui Dong, BLIA Los Angeles President Echo Tsai, Vice President Jing-Jing Wang, and Deputy Executive Officer Hsueh-Chien Chien leading more than 10 BLIA members in engaging with the community. The group distributed nearly 4,000 gifts, including calligraphies by Fo Guang Shan Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Fo Guang Shan Dharma Words, lucky trinkets, and gift bags, fostering goodwill and spreading blessings.

U.S. Representative Judy Chu of California's 28th Congressional District, San Gabriel Mayor John Wu, Vice Mayor Denise Menchaca, and City Council Members Eric Chan and Tony Ding were among the local officials who attended the festival's opening ceremony. Representative Chu extended her New Year greetings, noting that the Year of the Snake symbolizes renewal and encouraging the community to embrace hope in the year ahead.

Mayor Wu expressed his gratitude to the event organizers and the San Gabriel Police Department for their support. He also thanked the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles for donating traditional lanterns, allowing the public to experience the beauty of the Lantern Festival and promoting cultural diversity. He concluded his remarks by extending New Year blessings in five languages: English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, Taiwanese and Vietnamese, wishing attendees prosperity, good health, and success.

Venerable Hui Dong shared an inspirational message from Venerable Master Hsing Yun: “Keep Going, the Future is Bright!” He encouraged everyone to remain hopeful despite challenges, emphasizing that even in the wake of recent wildfires, the community can move forward together toward a brighter future.

Southern California is known for its cultural diversity, and the annual Lantern Festival has become a hallmark of the Asian community’s rich traditions. The festival featured nearly 100 vendor and food stalls, dazzling lantern displays, steaming bowls of tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), and a lineup of vibrant entertainment. People of all backgrounds gathered in high spirits, making the event a lively and joyous occasion.

BLIA-LA booth was a major attraction, drawing large crowds eager to spin the "Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma Words" wheel and write their New Year wishes on the Wishing Tree, seeking blessings for the year ahead. BLIA Rowland Heights Subchapter President Wang Min handcrafted and gifted colorful braided bracelets to children, symbolizing good fortune and well-being.

Popular Los Angeles radio host Chen Shu also made a special appearance, spontaneously demonstrating Chinese calligraphy and writing the character "fortune" for attendees, spreading New Year blessings through his artistry. When Mayor Wu and his family visited the BLIA-LA booth, they participated by writing down their wishes for the new year, joining the community in celebrating this warm and meaningful cultural event.

Festival attendee Jenna Spolar shared that her daughter, Shaya, who attends a bilingual school, was able to write her Chinese name on a wishing card for the first time, making the experience even more special for their family.

At 6:00 PM, the festival's grand lantern lighting ceremony took place. More than 10 large lantern installations and over 470 red lanterns illuminated the San Gabriel night sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Attendees paused to admire the glowing displays, while children gleefully carried lanterns, their laughter echoing through the crowd. Surrounded by a sea of warm, glowing lights, BLIA members and festivalgoers alike embraced the joy of the occasion, looking forward to a hopeful and prosperous new year.