Dig into the Year of the Pig

On the lunar calendar, the Year of the Pig starts Feb. 5. Here are five places to embrace the Pig, which rules until Jan. 24, 2020, when the Rat takes over.

Portland, Ore.

Head to Portland for a chance to meet Shadow, a friendly New Zealand Kunekune pig. The longhaired creature will be holding court at the Lan Su Chinese Garden from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 5, 8 and 15 (included with $10 general admission). Feb. 17-19, you can see glowing red lanterns and an illuminated dragon ($15-$45). Info: lansugarden.org

Toronto

Activist and sculptor Ai Weiwei created bronze sculptures of the 12 creatures in the Chinese zodiac that toured the world’s museums. Last year he used colorful Lego pieces to create portraits of the Pig, Monkey, Rat and others in a work called “Zodiac.” See them Feb. 28-June 9 at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto. Info: gardinermuseum.on.ca

Seattle

Money and prosperity are themes for Chinese New Year, which is why a visit to Seattle’s 550-pound bronze piggy bank should be on your calendar. Rachel the Pig has stood beneath the Pike Place Market sign since 1986, collecting about $20,000 a year to help the needy in her community. Add your donation, then share a selfie on Rachel’s Instagram site. Info: lat.ms/rachelpiggy bank

Las Vegas

Eight is considered lucky in the Year of the Pig, which is why the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden created eight piglets as part of its Chinese New Year floral display. The show features other good-luck new year icons: blooming cherry trees, Chinese Fu dogs and giant ancient coins. It’s free and continues until March 9. Info: lat.ms/bellagiogarden

San Francisco

The golden dragon Gum Lung is the star of San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade, one of the oldest and biggest in the U.S. It takes more than 180 men and women to carry the 288-foot figure through city streets. The parade will be 6 -8 p.m. Feb. 23; you can watch for free or buy $35 tickets for seats in the viewing stands. Info: chineseparade.com