Hansamo Performs at Hayward Library’s 2026 Lunar New Year Show

Following last year’s successful performance, Hansamo was once again invited to celebrate Lunar New Year with a special performance on February 14 at the Hayward Public Library. With Lunar New Year falling on February 17 this year, the event was held in advance so the local community could begin enjoying the festive spirit early. The library was filled with excitement, and the seating area was packed with enthusiastic visitors.

The cultural program opened with Hansamo’s dance team performing Samgomu (Three-Drum Dance), captivating the audience with powerful drumbeats and graceful, synchronized movements. This was followed by Hansamo’s Nanta performance, presented this year as a solo act. While a solo performance might appear less intense than a group presentation, the performer’s exceptional skill and confident stage presence created a dynamic and engaging performance that fully matched the energy of a full ensemble.

The event concluded with Hansamo’s Pungmulnori team, which introduced a new highlight this year by incorporating a lion mask dance into the performance. With many children in attendance, the lion dance drew enthusiastic reactions and quickly became one of the most memorable moments of the celebration. The team also performed Beona (spinning plate), filling the room with cheers and excitement.

Hansamo’s annual Lunar New Year performance at the Hayward Public Library holds special meaning in Hayward, a city known for its rich cultural diversity. With no single ethnic group forming a majority and a large portion of residents being foreign-born, Hayward is home to a highly multilingual community. In this environment, cultural celebrations provide a valuable opportunity to promote cross-cultural understanding and bring residents together through shared experiences.

Hansamo looks forward to continuing to share Korean traditions and strengthening cultural exchange within the local community.

You can watch our performance videos here.
Samgomu
Nanta
Pangut

Following our performance, we were honored to receive a heartfelt letter of appreciation from the Hayward Public Library, which also noted that our students' hard work was personally recognized by California State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab.

Our library and the Hayward community were truly honored to have you and your students with us. I was especially proud that the California State Senator Dr. Wahab highlighted your performance on her Facebook page — what an honor! You all truly deserve this recognition. https://fb.watch/Fk_vvUZzzu/?mibextid=wwXIfr&fs=e

We received so much positive feedback from our patrons about your wonderful performance and your dedication to promoting diverse culture and heritage in our community. Everyone enjoyed the show tremendously. All of the students did an outstanding job. I especially want to mention the young boy who played the flute (near the Mamava station). He was very brave and did a fantastic job. Please pass along my words of encouragement to him — he is amazing!

I know a successful performance involves many moving parts. Please extend my sincere thanks to all the parents for their hours of support and driving.
Once again, please forward my heartfelt appreciation to all of you. We would be delighted to welcome you back anytime — it is always such a joy to work together. I especially loved the face mask segment you added to the Pangut this year!

Warmest regards,
Wenny Wallace (she/her)
Librarian
Hayward Public Library