Lunar New Year is a dazzling celebration overflowing with sound, colour and life. This moment in the lunar calendars of many Asian countries, but most famously China, marks the beginning of a fresh new cycle that brings with it a renewal of prosperity, togetherness and hope for the future. This lively event even takes place between January and February each year and is celebrated and appreciated all over the world. It’s an electric experience, each celebration shaped and coloured by its location and the people who are part of it. Before you head to your first Lunar New Year or take a trip to find a new spot to celebrate a cherished tradition, let’s learn about the event itself and where all the best celebrations happen across the world.
Lunar or Chinese New Year is a celebration of the beginning of a new year in the lunisolar calendar that originated in China and then spread to neighbouring countries. The celebration falls between January 21 and February 20 and happens once a year every year. The streets take on a ruby red glow, lit by lanterns emblazoned with gold characters: these colours symbolise both good luck and fortune. Fireworks burst into life across the inky skies, and thunder drums beat a dramatic tempo as the lion and dragon dancers weave through crowds, shocking every attendee with their daring and beauty. Markets are held where attendees can gather to shop, eat and be together over this exciting time. Lunar New Year is a cultural, not religious, celebration. Every kind of person, from those who make clothes to politicians to those who are involved in Forex trading make the time to enjoy the experience.
In non Asian countries or countries with smaller Asian populations, celebrations are often short, often over the course of one weekend. In China, the celebrations can last as long as 15 days. In the homes of those who are culturally connected to the event, every surface, corner, and crevice is scrubbed clean to do away with any misfortunes that marked the previous year. On New Year’s Day, those same brooms are put safely away so that any New Year’s luck might now be swept out the door by mistake. Families and friends come together to adorn homes with beautiful paper cutouts and gather around tables overflowing with traditional and symbolic dishes: fish for a year of abundance, dumplings as a reminder of the wealth that will come and rice cakes to symbolise growth. The excitement is contagious, and smiles light up every face as elders in the community present the younger generations with red envelopes containing lucky money.
Lunar New Year is a spectacle, but it’s one that is laden with tradition and meaning that has spanned centuries. It’s a special time and should be approached with understanding and respect.
12 Amazing Places to Celebrate
1. Sha Tin Racecourse, Hong Kong
The race held on the Lunar New Year at this prestigious race course is one of the most popular of the year. Betting on your favourite horse on this auspicious day is only the start tho; there are talks from Asian professionals like Feng Shui masters, lucky draws and other entertainment throughout the day.
2. Raohe Night Market/Wu Lao Guo, Taipei
In Taipei, the food is the star of the show. Indulge in pepper cakes and fresh seafood skewers or a hot pot as you stroll around the market with friends and family.
Since Sydney is home to one of the largest Chinese populations in the world, it celebrates hard. Many of the city’s iconic landmarks are lit up in red during the celebration.
4. Quang Ba Flower Market, Hanoi, Vietnam
The Quang Ba Flower Market operates at a frantic pace during the Lunar New Year, when everyone wants the ultimate accessory of a gorgeous bunch of flowers. While there are no actual celebrations in the market itself, the riot of colours and bustling energy get you in the mood for the events to come.
5. Nuanquan Town, Hebei province, China
This tiny little village (by Chinese standards. The population is around 20,000 people, erupts into a spectacle every Lunar New Year. So great are the festivities that UNESCO has dubbed this destination one of China’s greatest examples of cultural heritage.
6. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea
This is undoubtedly the heart of Seoul, so it’s little surprise that celebrations here are nothing short of spectacular. Folk games are played, live performances are put on, traditional garments are worn, there are stalls, fireworks and more.
the largest ‘chinatown” anywhere outside Asia, so expect the celebrations to be no-holds-barred. The festival there goes on for 15 days straight and includes a parade, more than 100 floats and a stunning 28-foot-long Golden Dragon float as the event’s crown jewel.
The reenactments are what make this celebration so special: be transported back in time to an imperial ceremony from the Qing Dynasty in which an “emperor” leads an army of performers to the Temple of the Earth to worship the gods.
Londoners know how to do it, and the Lunar New Year is no exception. Enjoy a colourful Chinese parade through the West End, dance troupes, dragon and lion dances, martial arts and opera.
Macau used to be known only for its gambling, but is now loved for its wide selection of family-friendly entertainment, which is all open and operating during the celebration. Pay special note to the figure 8 Ferris wheel because 8 is an auspicious number in Chinese numerology.
11. Los Glaciares, Patagonia, Argentina
One of the more unusual places on the list, but something truly unique and utterly spellbinding. The spring festival offers Lunar New Year celebrations surrounded by uncommon natural beauty.
Another unusual location to close off the list. Usher in the new year after being cleansed and pampered at the spa and sauna, and washing away the old year in the sea-facing pools with a stunning view.
Gong Hei Fat Choy (Wishing you prosperity)
May your new year be one filled with abundance, prosperity, health, happiness, and an exvellent newt Lunar New Year party!
Live Life Lah....... 