AMARILLO TX -- The dragon Dance, and Li Xi are a couple of traditions performed for the Vietnamese new year celebration. Nearly 800 folks from the local Vietnamese community enjoyed performances, food, and festivities to ring in the new year.

This is the fifteenth year for the event in Amarillo. The celebration passes down traditions from the Vietnamese culture to younger American generations. This year is the year of the water buffalo or ox.

"It brings me back the feelings I used to get when I was back in Vietnam, the dragon dance, the firecrackers and the food. Seeing your community together." said Maianh Honang who celebrated the holiday.

"We have such a diverse culture and to see these people come together especially with their children and teach them their culture they have from their country and to continue that on every year is so important." said mayor Debra McCart. "I love being a part of this, it's a fun event," added McCart.

The ceremony featured prayers and gifts offered for prosperity for the upcoming year. Several local groups performed dragon dances, and Vietnamese music. The women dressed in ao-dai or traditional clothing, and everyone handed out Li Xi which is a red envelope filled with money. You give this to children so they can have prosperity in the new year.

"we appreciate our universe we're living together, we have to live in harmony and that's the way we want to teach the next generation," said Thang Luu a celebration committee member.

"It's the welcome of a new year with new hope and new prosperities," said Luu.