Celebrate Chinese New Year – How to bring in the Year of the Monkey
It is the time of the year to paint the town red as the Chinese New Year festivities begin. So, get ready to wish everyone Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year in Mandarin) or San Nin Faai Lok (in Cantonese) as we tell you how each city is celebrating the Year of the Monkey.
But before we go to the events here is a bit of trivia on the year of the Monkey – the Monkey is the ninth of the 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac. After 2016 the next Year of the Monkey will be 2028. People born in this year are said to be witty and smart, just like the Monkey, which is considered to be one of the most intelligent animals.
London
Celebrate the Year of the Monkey with the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia at Trafalgar Square on February 14. Kicking off London’s Chinese New Year celebrations is a grand parade featuring ten lion teams in one of Europe’s biggest lion dances. The Chinese parade starts in Trafalgar Square at 10am, and snakes its way through the streets of the West End before ending in Chinatown. Head down to Trafalgar Square from 12pm as firecrackers mark the stage performances, including traditional dance troupes, acrobats, dragon and flying lion dances, opera and martial arts performances.
Manchester
With thousands of red lanterns already decorating the city streets, Manchester is ready for its largest Chinese New Year party. The highlight of the celebrations will take place in Chinatown and Albert Square on February 7. The square will come alive with martial arts and dance performances, followed by the dragon parade to Chinatown. There is a fireworks finale at 6pm along with a 3D lightshow. And if you want to sample some delicacies check out the Chinese Food Market in St Ann’s Square.
Leeds
Celebrate the Year of the Monkey in an artistic way in Leeds. On February 14 the Leeds Town Hall will be taken over with Chinese New Year festivities with theatre performances, dancing, Chinese calligraphy, kung fu and tai chi, plus food, crafts and face painting.
Glasgow
This year Glasgow will be celebrating its first Chinese New Year at the Glasgow city centre in George Square on February 6. Get enthralled with martial arts displays, food stalls and dragon and lion dancing.
Newcastle
Newcastle’s Chinatown in Stowell Street will host the majority of the festivities taking place for the Chinese New Year on February 14 from 11am until 4pm. A funfair, crafts, food stalls and dance performances are all part of the fun.
Liverpool
1,000 red lanterns have already been lined up on Nelson Street to beckon in the New Year. Head to see the Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra perform modern and traditional Chinese music at Henry Street on February 7 from 1.30pm. The Year of the Monkey is being marked with a host of events in the city’s Chinatown as well, including traditional Chinese dance and song, martial arts demonstrations and a parade featuring Lucky Man, Dragon, Lion and Unicorn.
Belfast
One of the last New Year celebrations, Belfast will be celebrating the Year of the Monkey on February 21 at Ulster Hall, showcasing traditional and modern dance, folk songs, acrobatics and more from the Cultures of China Festival of Spring performing troupe.
Here and Now 365 has always prided itself for promoting multiculturalism and celebrating the ethnic diversity of the UK.
