As the Chinese New Year approaches, dozens braved the ice and snow Saturday to celebrate the Year of the Snake, which officially kicks off Wednesday.

The Colorado Springs Chinese Cultural Institute celebrated a few days early, hosting its 26th annual Chinese New Year Festival on Saturday at the ENT Center for the Arts.

The institute’s chairwoman, Mali Hsu, founded the nonprofit nearly 30 years ago after she noticed a lack of cultural events in Colorado Springs.

“It was a very quiet city,” Hsu said. “I didn’t see any cultural events, especially Asian culture, so I thought we should really let people know and learn about Chinese culture.”

The festival was packed with people, food trucks and vendors selling Year of the Snake merchandise. Many families opted to bring their children along, some of whom were spotted with face paint throughout the day.

Institute volunteers said they enjoy seeing children’s reactions to the performances and believe exposing them to diverse cultures fosters “global citizenship.”

“We’re creating awareness that there’s life beyond our shores,” event co-chair Herman Tiemens said. “At the end of the day, it’s important that we have a level of understanding for each other. I think that leads to good things.”

Many volunteers were excited to share some of their typical New Year traditions, most of which focus on luck.

“There’s a lot of things that you have to do to prepare for the Chinese New Year that you wouldn’t for an American one,” board member Angela Ouyang said. “For example, I sweep a week beforehand because if I sweep the day of, I sweep away all my luck and fortune.”

Most who celebrate the holiday also do not shower or wash their hair the day of. Similar to sweeping, washing oneself is thought to “wash away” all luck and fortune for the year.

The mainstage performances appeared to be the biggest draw of the day, with several organizations from all over the state coming to put on a show.

Kicking it all off, Master Hao Liu performed a Kung Fu demonstration. Liu, who lives in Colorado Springs, was a tournament champion both in the United States and overseas in China.

Based in Colorado Springs, Sun Mountain Taiko once again made its annual appearance at the festival.

Member Amanda Casey told The Gazette she has drummed with the group for nearly nine years. Casey initially joined the group when her husband left the state to complete his master’s degree and she was searching for something to be a part of.

“It’s fun to show off our art form,” Casey said. “It just feels like we’re giving back to the community.”

Rounding out the show was Boulder-based Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu with a Lion Dance performance. Group members left early Saturday morning to beat the snow-covered roads, stopping in Denver for another performance before making their way to Colorado Springs.

The lions entered from the sides, coming down the aisles before making their way onstage. Two people maneuvered each of the seven lions, gracefully working together to appear seamless.

The Tea House down the hall from the main stage performance also drew a crowd with promises of hot tea. Ouyang, the board member, gave “The Art of Tea” demonstrations to curious festival attendees.

Ouyang told The Gazette that the festival is one of her favorite days of the year, allowing her to embrace her cultural heritage while bringing awareness to traditions like Gongfu tea.

“When you’ve moved away from all of your family, it’s hard,” Ouyang said. “This is my only chance to wear my traditional clothing and share it with people.”