English: 1st day of South Coast Plaza's (SCP) 2014 Lunar New Year celebration (January 23rd through February 9th, 2014) in Jewel Court (in front of Macy's inside the mall).[1][2] As part of the kick-off festival on 23rd and 24th, a total of four (4) performances were held (two each day).[3] Forty-five Chinese performers and artisans from Zhejiang Province (浙江省) participated in the kick-off festival.[4] Ribbon cutting and opening ceremonies took place on January 23rd.[5] The ceremonies were attended by Chinese Ambassador and Consul General Liu Jian and Costa Mesa Mayor Jim Righeimer, among other officials.[6][7] According to Mayor Righeimer, Costa Mesa seeks to find a sister city in China.[8][9] Stilt Circus performers were also present at the opening reception on the 23rd.[10][11] SCP's Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse) celebration included several events, such as a lion dance and musical performances, through February 9th, 2014.[12] This photo was taken shortly before the ceremonies and the very first performance. The Chinese performers visited several venues, before and after SCP, as part of the 2014 North America Happy Chinese New Year Celebration.[13]