Chinese New Year 2011
Not to be beaten and given that the Chinese New Year is a worldwide event, you won’t be surprised that this influential community is holding a new year celebration in London, and which comprises the largest celebrations outside of Asia. As can be said about many of the cities in which Friendly Rentals is present, there’s no lull and no break in festivities from one season to another especially in one of the busiest capitals in the world.
Thus, once the London New Year celebrations are over the Chinese will soon be seeing in their New Year, on the 6th of February to be more precise with all sorts of exciting events taking place in various locations and venues in the British Capital.
Just for a bit of background the Chinese New Year is a huge festival amongst Chinese communities in London and across the world. Based on the lunar and solar calendars, the actual date of the Chinese New Year varies, but it usually falls between late January and Mid-February.
In addition, each year, the Chinese calendar is represented by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, 2011 being the year of the rabbit.
The actual Chinese New Year this year will fall on Thursday the 3rd of February, however the London celebrations will be taking place on the 6th of February and if this year’s celebrations are anything like last year then visitors to London can expect world class dancing, and music and acrobatics following an official opening ceremony, in addition to firecrackers, Chinese dragons, lions and Chinese acrobatics. In the meantime, China Town will be bustling with special decorations, cultural stalls, food, and lion dance displays so as to indulge city-dwellers and visitors alike in authentic Chinese culture.
This year in London the main celebrations will be taking place in Trafalgar Square, Shaftsebury Avenue, and of course China Town in Soho and they will all be starting with the Lion Dances that pass through the street which are supposed to bring good luck and prosperity to all, the drums, gongs and cymbals being used to scare away evil and bad luck. The official opening ceremony will take place at 12 noon in Trafalgar Square which will be followed by performances by artists, as well as Chinese Dragons, lions and Chinese acrobats concluding with an impressive firework display in the same place.
Meanwhile, London’s Leicester Square that usually participates in the celebrations will be hosting colourful decorations, with firecrackers, fireworks, contemporary music and acclaimed artists specially invited from China’s different provinces, as well as an authentic array of authentic Chinese food served from restaurants and stalls in nearby China Town for foodies. Chinese lanterns will be lit at Oxford Circus and as mentioned previously at the start there will be Lion Dancers passing through the streets of London for good fortune and prosperity.
Furthermore, quite often the British Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum along with many other London museums and galleries get in the spirit of the Chinese New Years celebrations with the showing of special exhibitions. Some events have yet to be confirmed but in previous years there have been Chinese film festivals, lots of Chinese restaurants conducting special banquets and events, and a variety of martial arts and acrobatic performances in different venues in London. Finally, all these fabulous events will be culminating with a huge and impressive firework display in Leicester Square which is definitely not to be missed.
So, if you’re in London this winter season we recommend that you head down to these fabulous celebrations and get a taste of Chinese culture first hand. Xinnián hao (Happy New Year)!
Anna – Marketing Team
