From late January to early February is the time of the lunar new year, also known as the spring festival or Chinese New Year. It is a time when arts and crafts, culture and food are celebrated in Asia and elsewhere in the world.
If you want to join in the fun and help welcome the Year of the Rat in 2021, you have many options. Here are four.
The island nation of Singapore has one of the largest celebrations in the region. Be sure to visit Chinatown, where you’ll see a fascinating mix of old and new, with historic temples next to trendy shops and nightclubs. Wherever you go, you will see houses and shop windows adorned with red decoration as a symbol of good luck. During New Year’s Eve, the streets are filled with beautifully designed lanterns and filled with performers, from lion dancers to fire consumers.
The Chingay parade, the largest street parade and float procession in Asia, takes place on January 31st and February 1st. The River Hongbao Festival is held from February 23 to 1 along Marina Bay, with fireworks and laser shows, food and craft demonstrations.
London has one of the largest lunar new year celebrations outside of Asia. In 2021, the festivities will be held on January 26 in Chinatown and the West End.
There will be performances of music, dance and comedy by emerging British and Chinese artists, martial arts demonstrations and traditional Chinese crafts such as calligraphy.
The annual parade, which leaves Charing Cross Road, features floats and commemorative performances by Chinese lions and dragons. Then enjoy a New Year’s Eve meal at Chinatown Restaurant. The finale, which includes a lion dance and fireworks, takes place in Trafalgar Square.
Vancouver, BC, with its proximity to the ocean, mountains, lakes and rivers, is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. It is also one of the most diverse cities in Canada and celebrates a major lunar New Year celebration.
There will be cultural performances and activities from January 17 to February 2, including parades and traditional lion dances. When you’re in Vancouver, be sure to visit Dr.’s classic Chinese garden. Sun Yat-Sen, located in the heart of the historic district of the city of Chinat and a serene place amid the bustle of urban life. Then enjoy a meal at one of the many Asian restaurants in the area.
If you have a trip to Hawaii on your travel deposit list, Lunar New Year is a festive time to visit. Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the capital and gateway to the state of Aloha. The city’s annual celebration will take place Jan. 17-18 at Chinatown Cultural Square. It is an ideal event for families, with craft booths and food and performances, including lion and dragon dances. You will also see Queen Narcissus and her court visiting shops in the Chinatown to give a blessing of good luck for the new year.
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