This Chinese New year falls on the 1st Feb.
Also known as Spring Festival and Lunar New Year, based on the lunar solar calendrer, which varies year to year and is represented by one of 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac, with this year being represented by the mighty Tiger.
The London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA) began these celebrations as a small community event over 20 years ago, with such growth year on year that they are now considered the largest event outside of Asia.
The Chinese are built on tradition, so when it comes to new year celebrations, they are usually the ones to watch as it’s an amazing spectacle all across the world and a great event in the calendar every year with the theatrics and food festivals.
Unfortunately the celebrations will not be on the grand scale as previous due to COVID safety concerns around London. Instead there is a social media party where by you can follow the events and activities online #CNYLondon, from January 31st and on the 6th of FEB you can watch a televised broadcast surrounding this special time, with London Eye Illuminated in RED and GOLD.
As this Full Celebration has been cancelled, here are some Top tips to follow around this time:
- Rap up warm, as this time is celebrated in February, it can get very cold especially at night.
- Learn Chinese New Year greetings: Say “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year in Mandarin) or “San Nin Faai Lok” (in Cantonese)
- Dress in Red which is the key colour Symbolizing the Chinese New Year
- Enjoy special Chinese New Year food: order a whole chicken or try dumplings at top restaurants in Chinatown
- Buy something red:To bring luck to your year, Chinese tradition dictates that you should buy something red for yourself or your house.
- Ensure good luck: In Chinese culture, to “climb high and gaze far” on New Year’s Day or the following day brings good luck in business, career, study and fortune. Take a trip on the Emirates Air Line cable car, head up to The View from The Shard or see the sights from the London Eye.
We are proud to be part of this Chinese history filled with tradition so..
Check out what we have to offer in our online January sales...
And if you end up staying in, Check out our go to favorite Chinese restaurant MANCHUI