Children's Museum of the Arts 2012 Multicultural Festival Series

Thanks to the Children's Museum of the Arts, kids can march in a Mardi Gras parade, hear a master Haitian drummer and learn an Irish jig—all without leaving New York City. This week the museum kicks off its fourth annual multicultural festival series, complete with hands-on workshops and special performances. “We want to introduce kids to new cultures and art forms,” says Rachel Rapoport, CMA’s director of on-site programming. “And what better way to celebrate the diversity of the city than with art and live performances that each bring their own spirit to the museum.” Mark your calendars for these four festivals, then head to CMA's new location. All event-related activities are free with museum admission. 

Lunar New Year
Given CMA’s proximity to Chinatown for its first 23 years, it’s no surprise that the museum's first festival of 2012 explores the arts and culture of New York’s Chinese community. “It’s always been one of our most popular days,” says Rapoport. Lunar New Year events include a shadow puppet show by Chinese Theater Works, calligraphers, paper cutters, musicians and a special performance by the Chinese lion dancers of P. S. 124. A stop-animation film by the school’s fourth- and fifth-graders will be shown as well. Sat Jan 28 10am—5pm.

Arty Gras Festival & Parade 
Kids make masks, feather hats, floats and noisemakers from cardboard and recycled materials at the second annual Mardi Gras celebration. Held in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Two Boots pizzeria, the day will also feature a free pizza snack. For some colorful inspiration, steer little ones toward Tranqui Yanqui's corner of the exhibit. Sun Feb 19 10am—5pm.

Caribbean-American Festival
On the heels of last year's hugely successful Haitian-American festival, the folks at CMA have decided to plan a day celebrating the entire region, complete with storytelling, mask-making and drumming workshops. Haitian drummer Gaston Jean-Baptiste will perform, and students from P.S. 115 in Canarsie, Brooklyn (a Caribbean-American community), will present a stop-animation film they made about their neighborhood at a museum workshop. Sat Mar 3 10am—5pm.

Irish Arts Festival
New this year, the Irish Arts fest explores the Emerald Isle’s culture. “Ireland has an amazing folklore tradition,” says Rapoport. “We want to show kids how to make stories come alive.” Look for jig lessons, mythical animations, storytelling and knitting workshops. Sat Mar 31 10am—5pm.