February the 3rd, 2011 is the start of the Chinese New Year celebrations across the world and it welcomes in the year of the Rabbit. These celebrations usually continue for a matter of days – often about 5 days – although it depends where you are in the world. Next year you should consider going to Hong Kong (or even China) to join in the genuine article. Chinese New Year in 2012 lands on January 23rd 2012 and welcomes in the year of the Dragon!
Traditions in the Western world are often very similar and the local Chinese communities still celebrate their new year. Often Chinese restaurants put on a special set meal and team this up with fantastic firecrackers as well as the traditional lion dance with drum!
Here’s a great picture of a dragon dance taking place in a restaurant. The diners are still at their tables while the team of dragon dancers have people banging a drum, hitting symbols and the two actors inside the dragon dance elaborately around the restaurant floor!
Chinese New Year Dragon Dance
Chinese Dragon at New Year Celebrations
If you have children with sensitive ears, then perhaps they won’t be suited to this, otherwise, it’s such a fantastic evening and highly recommended. You might even enjoy some Chinese Elvis songs if you’re really lucky!
Chinese Elvis
Naturally the Chinese New Year celebrations in Hong Kong are MUCH more elaborate! You will have to be prepared to book well in advance though to ensure that prices are reasonable for accommodation and restaurants. This date in the Chinese calendar is one of the biggest so make sure you don’t miss out in 2012!
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