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Council proclaims Jan. 29–Feb. 12 as Newcastle’s Lunar New Year celebration; measure passes 3‑2
Summary
The Newcastle City Council adopted a proclamation recognizing Jan. 29–Feb. 12, 2025 as the Lunar New Year celebration period. The motion, moved by Council member Burford and seconded by Council member Sherlock, passed on a 3–2 vote following a brief debate over the use of proclamations.
The Newcastle City Council adopted a proclamation on Jan. 21 officially recognizing Jan. 29–Feb. 12, 2025 as the Lunar New Year celebration period in the city of Newcastle. The motion to adopt the proclamation, as amended to reflect the January 29–February 12 period, was moved by Council member Burford and seconded by Council member Sherlock and passed on a 3–2 vote.
Council member Burford framed the proclamation as an inclusion effort, noting the city’s Asian community and arguing that recognizing Lunar New Year supports cultural understanding and community belonging. The council and staff noted the city’s scheduled Lunar New Year community celebration on Feb. 9 and the Arts Council’s related programming.
During debate, a council member expressed the view that proclamations are not city business and said they would not support a proclamation on that basis. Council member Sherlock and other supporters said the recognition promotes civic inclusion and thanked the Arts Council and partners for planned Lunar New Year programming.
The text the council adopted states that Lunar New Year (also called Spring Festival) commences on the first new moon of the Lunar New Year and concludes with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day; it recognizes the cultural traditions and contributions of Asian communities in Newcastle and encourages residents to participate in local Lunar New Year activities.
The motion to adopt the proclamation passed 3–2; the council did not take additional binding action beyond the proclamation. The city clerk prepared the proclamation language and the council president (mayor) signed it on Jan. 21, 2025.
