Chinese New Year, sometimes called Spring Festival, is steeped in over 4000 years of history. The event begins on the first day of the Lunar Calendar, lasting until the 15th day of the first month, meaning this year it will kick off on February 5th, with festivities continuing up until the 19th.
According to the Chinese animal zodiac cycle we will be entering the year of the Pig. Those born in this year are said to be blessed with good fortune and a warm personality – if not a little tardiness too. The pig is the 12th and final animal in the Chinese calendar, arriving late to the party according to legend. And while those born in previous Pig years (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 et al) might think they’re in luck, the Chinese actually believe it to be most unlucky.
If you’d like to get involved in the revelry this year, then you’ll be thrilled to know that our fine capital hosts the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia, so there’s really no need to jet off to far flung shores. The parade is the biggest event during the fortnight’s festivities, this year taking place on February 10th. You can expect to see hugely colourful floats from over 50 teams, as well as the renowned dragon and lion dances that kick off the procession in Charing Cross Road before it winds its way down Shaftesbury Avenue.
Trafalgar Square will also come alive with screen shows, firecrackers, talks and the world-famous Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony that has been performed for centuries as a means of warding off bad spirits. There will also be stage performances, acrobatics, dance and music from an exciting line-up of Chinese artists. Marking the end of the festivities, a whole host of showstopping performances and a grand pyrotechnic display will light up the West End.
Foodies, will of course be in heaven too, as there is no end of street food as well as New Year Dim Sum specials across Chinatown’s many restaurants. If you’re looking to chow down Cantonese-style then a whole chicken and fish dish is best: the chicken signifies family happiness, while the fish literally translates to “may there be surpluses every year.” Northern Chinese culture instead rings in the New Year with dumplings.
You can follow the hashtag #CNYLondon to find out more.
Written by Thea Carley
