Hundreds of performers including Beijing-based dancers, acrobats, stilt walkers, singers and artists will celebrate the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival at Universal Studios Hollywood as “The Entertainment Capital of L.A.” and Beijing Tourism Administration join in a festive observance of the Lunar New Year and the advent of the “Year of the Pig” on Saturday, March 3 from 4:00-6:00 PM.

The event will feature nearly 200 colorful performers--many of whom will have appeared earlier in the day at the Chinese New Year’s Parade in Hollywood--to entertain Universal Studios Hollywood guests in a two-hour display of over 15 performances symbolic of such traditional Chinese cultural values as “Harmonious Family,” “Harmonious Society” and “Harmonious World.”

Highlights of the Universal Studios Hollywood’s Chinese Lantern Festival will include performances by The Beijing Opera Troupe, the stilt-mounted dancers of The Beijing District Stilt Performers, the intricately designed “Floating Forbidden City” costumes of the Xiao Dan Art Performing Group, and the young artists of the Blue Sky Kindergarten Chorale singing “Hello, Los Angeles.” Another central component of the event includes an appearance by “Fuwa,” the Five Olympic Ring Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Following the theme park performances, a procession of folk artists will parade through Universal CityWalk.

Cost of the event is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Hollywood. More information and online ticket purchases can be made at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com .