January 25, is the Chinese New Year and this year is the year of the rat.

If you were born in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and now 2020, the year of the rat is your year.

The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12 year/animal cycle, and those 12 animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

A number of celebrations are happening around the friendly city today as well as around the world.

Two special dinners are taking place this weekend at the Uptown Cafe, one today January 25th, and another tomorrow January 26th.

Tickets for the two 10 course meals are only $38.

Local and longtime Chinese elder Gale Chow, details more.

"According to the Chinese New Year, there are 12 animals that represent each year. They repeat every 12 years, this year is the year of the rat, and next year is the year of the ox."

Chow continues, detailing more about the year of the rat.

"If you are the year of the rat, you are ambitious and honest, love to spend freely, and are most compatible with the dragon and monkey."