On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the members, families, and supporters of the Chinese School gathered to mark a significant cultural milestone — the school’s 45th Annual New Year Celebration, an unforgettable evening honoring tradition, community, and the Chinese Lunar New Year. The event took place at the elegant Diamond Palace Restaurant in San Diego, where guests started arriving in the early evening, eager to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Horse in the Chinese lunar calendar. Though the official Chinese New Year in 2026 falls on February 17, the school’s gala on January 31 offered a vibrant kick-off to the season of festivities that sweep across the region each winter.
In attendance to welcome guests were Sally Wong Avery, school President, Natasha Wong, school Superintendent and Cassandra Wong, school Principal. The school is celebrating its Centennial anniversary this year. 1925-2025
The gala was more than just a dinner — it was a cultural celebration filled with symbolic meaning. Attendees enjoyed a traditional banquet, featuring time-honored Chinese dishes prepared to bring luck, prosperity, and health in the coming year. Classical performances and festive music added to the atmosphere, weaving together elements of Chinese culture and the local San Diego community spirit that the school has helped nurture for decades.
In addition to the beautifully prepared feast, the evening featured cultural presentations that highlighted the school’s role in preserving and sharing Chinese language and heritage. Many students, alumni, and community leaders joined in, sharing memories, performances, and hopes for the year ahead.
Founded more than a century ago as the first Chinese language school in the city, the Chinese School of San Diego has long been a cornerstone of cultural education and community engagement. While the official anniversary of the school’s founding predates this celebration, the gala marked its 45th consecutive annual New Year celebration, underscoring the longevity and vibrancy of the school’s presence in San Diego.
This year’s event stood as a testament to the school’s enduring mission: to honor Chinese culture, foster community bonds, and share the richness of traditional celebrations with students and local families from many backgrounds. The gathering offered a joyful opportunity for attendees to connect with one another, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the promises of the new one.
The Chinese School of San Diego’s gala was one of many celebrations happening throughout the region during the Lunar New Year season. San Diego County hosts a wide array of cultural festivals, lion dances, family events, and parades that invite people of all cultures to participate and learn. The collaboration between organizations like the House of China, local cultural associations, and city leadership — often present at such events — reinforces the city’s commitment to multicultural celebration and inclusion.
The 45th New Year Celebration of the Chinese School of San Diego was more than an annual event — it was a vibrant reaffirmation of culture, education, and community spirit. As the celebrations wrapped up that evening, guests left with warm hearts, renewed hopes, and a deeper appreciation for the traditions that continue to enrich San Diego’s cultural tapestry.
Photography by Bryan Dahl
