The New York State Education Department says a law prohibits school districts from holding sessions on the Lunar New Year.

In a nationwide first, schools across New York are closed on Wednesday in observance of the Lunar New Year. Why it matters: More local and state jurisdictions in recent years have officially recognized the holiday celebrated by many Asian cultures.

Parents across New York might wonder why their kids don’t have school on Wednesday, Jan. 28, well, the Lunar New Year is to thank for that and a declaration by Governor Kathy Hochul