新 年 快 乐 – Xīn nián kuài lè!
The Rabbit is the symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture, thus 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.
The celebration can last up to 16 days ending with the Yuan Xiao (元宵节 / yuán xiāo jié), or Lantern Festival, celebrated on February 5th, 2023 (incorporating the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival).
Began over 2000 years ago, the festival has developed many meanings. It celebrates family reunions and society. It features ancient spiritual traditions. Some also call this the “true” Chinese Valentine’s Day.
In London, every year, hundreds of thousands of people descend on the West End to enjoy a colourful parade, free stage performances and traditional Chinese food, and to wish each other “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year in Mandarin) or “Sun Nin Faai Lok” (in Cantonese).
There are normally lively activities and foodie treats in Chinatown; family-friendly entertainment in Leicester Square; and while Trafalgar Square plays host to the main stage performances, more stages can often be found on Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue.
The celebrations also usually include the vibrant Chinese New Year parade, featuring colourful floats and the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe.
The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
On Sunday 22nd in London:-
New Year parade, which will see more than 50 teams take part, and generally begins on Charing Cross Road at 10am. From there, it will make its way through Shaftesbury Avenue.
Beginning at 10am, celebrations will usually take place throughout the day at Trafalgar Square in central London until the early evening.
Visitors will be treated to a screen show and thanksgiving ceremony, firecrackers, speeches, the Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony and much more. Food stalls will line the square, and performances will include martial arts displays, flying lion dances, dance shows, and pop acts.
Various stages will be positioned around the West End, including the talent and community zone on Shaftesbury Avenue, the family zone in Leicester Square and the martial arts and cultural zone on Charing Cross Road.
Chinatown will feature some of the best celebrations of the Chinese New Year. From exceptional restaurants to street performers and artwork, Chinatown will definitely be worth a visit over the weekend
https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/4733685-chinese-new-year-in-london
