HONOLULU -- Local residents and businesses in Chinatown are gearing up for the year of the tiger.

The partners involved in organizing this year's Chinese celebration gathered at the Honolulu Hale on Wednesday to announce the annual "Month in Chinatown." The month is filled with festivals, martial arts and dance demonstration, and of course, lots of great food.

Officials fed the lion lai see to bring good luck in the New Year.

The year of the ox is winding down. So what does the year of the tiger hold?

"It's a very auspicious one where strength, power, determination will highlight the activities, and hopefully that will help us with our recession in Hawaii," Chinese Chamber of Commerce President-elect Jeff Lau said.

Beyond the lunar year forecast, the festivities are about celebrating Chinese culture and traditions. See a list of Chinese New Year events.