Wynn Magazine - Las Vegas
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/98961
The Lion Dance throughout Wynn and Encore wards away evil spirits and ushers in good fortune. The broader symbolism of the dance, like most traditions of Chinese New Year, involves luck. trees are placed throughout the property, but most of the design team's focus is on the chrysanthemum-themed Atrium. "We convert to Chinese New Year colors," says director of horticulture Gary Cramer. "There will be a total of about 5,000 mums, and they're in an assortment of gold, red, and orange. We will also incorporate two dragons running through the ficus trees, and they're each about 22 feet long. They run through the canopies of the trees so as you enter the hotel you'll see the faces of the dragons." The heart of Chinese New Year at Wynn, however, beats in the ballroom that holds the annual banquet Parry oversees. "Everything is very traditional," says Parry of the banquet, which will be held February 12 in the Lafite Ballroom. "We typically tailor the theme directly to the year; with 2013 as the Year of the Snake, we'll play off that a bit. The entertainment is also very traditional." Expect top talent imported from the Far East, although the cast presenting the Dragon and Lion Dance that kicks off festivities has a little less distance to travel: 65 Los-Angeles-based practitioners from the Yau Kung Mon Kung Fu Institute participate, with 28 performers bringing the dragon to life. "Originally, it was performed to please the dragon, who was the deity of water," says Parry. "It is an auspicious tradition that is believed to bring good luck and fortune. It's evolved, and it's fun to see." It's also available for the public to enjoy, drawing Las Vegas residents in addition to nonseasonal guests and Wynn executives. The dancing beasts gather at the South Tower entrance before they make their way through the property. The broader symbolism of the dance, like most traditions of Chinese New Year, involves luck. Fortune, prosperity, happiness, good health, and surplus are the reasons for the season, which are not only represented with décor but through language. If a food dish sounds like a word related to luck—much as the name "Wynn" brings to mind the English word "win"—it likely has become part of holiday cuisine. "We do have special restaurant hours for Wing Lei and Red 8," says Parry of the effort Wynn Las Vegas puts into accommodating the capacity Chinese New Year occupancy. Tables of New Year's Eve diners are likely to look very similar, filled with items such as golden oysters, sea moss, and sweet rice dumplings that are associated with the holiday. Dishes with names that are reminiscent of good fortune, good health, WYNN 058-060_W_F_DESIGN_Winter13.indd 59 59 12/12/12 5:42 PM