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The Mai Wah Society will once again host Butte America’s annual Chinese New Year Parade, which has been described as the shortest, loudest, and (sometimes) coldest parade in Montana. Celebrating the “Year of the Horse,” the parade will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026. It will start at the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse (155 West Granite) at 3:00 p.m. Following opening remarks, the parade will head east on Granite Street with the dragon blessing business sponsors along the route. Those in attendance are encouraged to follow the dragon and become part of the procession. The Butte High History Club will serve as dragon dancers again this year. Following the parade, a reception with refreshments will be held at the Mai Wah Museum (17 West Mercury Street).
In Chinese culture, the horse is known for its energetic and dynamic nature. It symbolizes vitality, speed, and perseverance. People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to be hardworking, independent, and warm hearted. They are also known to be adventurous and thrive on freedom and new experiences.
The Mai Wah Society is thrilled to have other community partners offering programming in celebration of Chinese New Year. Please see the following descriptions of other scheduled events.
Butte-Silver Bow Library Offers Take-and-Make Craft Bags
The Butte-Silver Bow Public Library is offering a craft opportunity for families. It is providing take-and-make-craft bags that families can take home and make a dancing dragon. For more information, please contact the library at (406) 792-1080.
Covellite Theatre Screening Mai-Wah Suggested Films
The Covellite Theatre was gracious enough to partner with the Mai Wah Society to screen a couple of films in celebration of Chinese New Year.
On Wednesday, February 18, the Covellite Theatre will show Raise the Red Lantern. A visually stunning classic from director Zhang Yimou, the film is set in 1920’s China and explores tradition, power, and quiet resistance.
On Wednesday, February 11, the Covellite will hold its weekly “People’s Choice Movie,” where people vote on what will be shown. Among the choices are two recommended by the Mai Wah – The Flowers of War and The Farewell.
For both evenings, the films are free to attend. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the films start at 7:00 p.m. The Covellite Theatre is located at 215 West Broadway Street.
Mai Wah Board Member to Speak at Butte-Silver Bow Archives
Mai Wah Board Member Mark Johnson will give a presentation about the history of Chinese New Year in Montana as part of the Butte-Silver Bow Archives Brown Bag Lunch Series on Wednesday, February 25 at noon.
From Montana’s earliest boomtowns and mining camps, Chinese residents were a visible and vital part of frontier life. Living far from home and facing regular hostility from anti-Chinese groups, these communities turned to familiar religious and cultural traditions for strength and belonging. This talk explores the history of Chinese New Year celebrations in Montana, revealing how parades, feasts, fireworks, and ritual gatherings helped Chinese Montanans maintain cultural continuity in an often-unwelcoming place. More than moments of celebration, Chinese New Year observances became powerful statements of perseverance, community, and identity on the Montana frontier.
The Archives is located at 17 West Quartz Street.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
17 W Mercury St, Butte, MT, United States, Montana 59701
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