Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in Asia and has a major impact on global manufacturing. For organizations, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and sponsors ordering custom Fiesta medals, understanding how Lunar New Year affects Fiesta medal production, shipping, costs, and lead times is critical. Because most Fiesta medals are manufactured overseas—especially in China—this holiday can directly influence whether medals arrive on time for Fiesta® San Antonio celebrations. 

Why Lunar New Year Matters for Fiesta Medal Manufacturing 

The majority of custom Fiesta medals are produced in China or surrounding regions due to specialized metalworking, enameling, and die-casting capabilities. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, typically causes widespread factory closures, shipping slowdowns, and labor shortages that ripple across the entire Fiesta medal supply chain. 

Without proper planning, Lunar New Year can delay Fiesta medal orders by weeks—or even months. 

Factory Closures and Workforce Disruptions 

One of the most significant effects of Lunar New Year on Fiesta medal production is factory shutdowns. Many manufacturing facilities close for one to three weeks, and sometimes longer. Workers travel to their hometowns, and some do not return immediately, which can slow production even after factories reopen. 

During this period: 

This makes Lunar New Year a critical planning consideration for anyone ordering custom Fiesta medals. 

Longer Production Lead Times for Custom Fiesta Medals 

As Lunar New Year approaches, factories experience a surge in demand from global buyers trying to place orders before the holiday. This creates bottlenecks and results in longer Fiesta medal lead times both before and after the holiday. 

After factories reopen, manufacturers must work through a backlog of orders, which can push production schedules back even further. As a result, Fiesta medal orders placed too close to Lunar New Year are at higher risk of missing event deadlines. 

Increased Costs and Pricing Fluctuations 

Lunar New Year can also affect the cost of Fiesta medals. Increased demand and limited production capacity often lead to: 

In addition, international shipping rates may rise due to limited freight availability. These factors can make custom Fiesta medals more expensive during peak Lunar New Year periods. 

Shipping and Logistics Delays 

Even if Fiesta medals are completed on schedule, shipping delays are common around Lunar New Year. Ports, freight carriers, and customs offices often operate at reduced capacity, leading to congestion and slower delivery times. 

This is especially problematic for Fiesta events, which are time-sensitive and often scheduled months in advance. Delayed shipments can cause stress for event planners, sponsors, and medal distributors. 

Quality Control Challenges During Peak Production 

The rush to complete orders before and after Lunar New Year can increase the risk of Fiesta medal quality control issues. High order volume and tight deadlines may limit inspection time, potentially leading to errors in design, color, or finishing. 

Working with experienced Fiesta medal suppliers and allowing sufficient production time helps reduce these risks and ensures high-quality custom medals. 

The Importance of Early Planning for Fiesta Medal Orders 

To avoid delays and additional costs, Fiesta medal buyers should plan well in advance. Industry best practices recommend placing custom Fiesta medal orders at least two to three months ahead of major events, especially for large celebrations like Fiesta® San Antonio. 

Early planning allows time for: 

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead for Fiesta Medal Success 

Lunar New Year has a significant impact on Fiesta medal manufacturing, production timelines, shipping logistics, and pricing. By understanding these challenges and ordering early, organizations can avoid delays, control costs, and ensure their custom Fiesta medals arrive on time for Fiesta® San Antonio celebrations. 

Planning ahead, working with trusted manufacturers, and accounting for Lunar New Year shutdowns are the keys to a smooth and successful Fiesta medal ordering experience.