Chinese New Year in London
Those of you who follow me on Twitter will know that I was determined to get in to central London on Sunday, in order to experience Chinese New Year 2011, London style.
You will also be aware that I was sadly disappointed.
Whilst there was food in abundance, lion dances parading from shop to shop, and lanterns laced above our heads, Chinatown was rammed with people (prams = BAD IDEA, people), so good luck actually seeing over heads.
Oh, and to the chap behind me who shoved me in the back whilst we were all trying to get out of New Loon Moon – Yes, you were pushing me, no, pushing didn’t help, and no, threats don’t work on me either. Yes, you were right to feel embarrassed and shut up after I pulled you up on that one. Weren’t expecting that from a girl half your size, were you? Jerk.
I know what you’re thinking, because I thought it too at first: Why can’t people just put their rubbish in the bin?!! Well, maybe it’s because…
Quite. Good luck with that one, Westminster City Council.
My other major irritation with Chinese New Year in London is that there was advertising EVERYWHERE. The paper lanterns were sponsored by Lebara mobile, children carried red balloons festooned with Lyca Mobile logos, and lo and behold – Kung Fu Panda 2 fortune cookies. It all just felt a bit tacky and was, in my honest opinion, a massive anticlimax. On the upside, I managed to get three buffet box take-aways for £9. With that in hand, I bustled through the insanely large crowds (well, that’s what you get when you have a completely free event) and retreated to home.
What about you? Maybe you aren’t as jaded about your Chinatown Chinese New Year experience as I was. Maybe you are 6’5” and therefore actually managed to see a lion dance. Maybe you were one of the many pushchair-users that rammed me in the ankles – we need to talk.
Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Congratulations and be prosperous!! Happy (Chinese) New Year, in other words! Oh yes, it’s here already. And this time around, it’s the year o’ the bunny.
Nawww. (those are Horniman bunnies. Er.. this photo was taken over a year ago. The fox has gotten them since then. Woops!)
Chinese New Year (which is lunisolar) is the most important of Chinese festivals. It’s also known as the “Spring Festival” (yes, I know, I know – it’s cold outside, but be optimistic), and isn’t actually restricted just to the one day: the festivities extend over an exciting and celebratory fifteen days.
There is a big focus on feasting, exchanging gifts (including the famous Red Envelopes) and fireworks. So what will you be up to? I’m sure that your local Chinese restaurants will be marking the occasion, so be sure to pop by. But for those of you in London, there is a LOT to look forward to:
Saturday 5th, 11am-4pm – The Wallace Collection host a Chinese New Year silk painting workshop - £25 per person
Saturday 5th, 11:30am-3:30pm – The British Museum host a drop in workshop for ages 7+: Mark the Year of the Rabbit by designing your own colourful t-shirt transfer to take home – free!
Saturday 5th – Sunday 6th, The Museum of London, Docklands is hosting a variety of different workshops and tours, including calligraphy, watercolours, and a “hunt the rabbit” competition! See their website for further details.
Sunday 6th, 11am-4pm – The British Museum offer a free drop-in for families – learn all about Chinese New Year celebrations by taking part in this day full of activities, including performances, storytelling and traditional art and crafts.
Sunday 6th, 11:30am-3:30pm – The British Museum are hosting a free drop-in workshop for ages 7+ – create your own Chinese Year of the Rabbit comic using artwork from the Museum’s collection.
Sunday 6th, 12-6pm - Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and Shaftesbury Avenue, traditional and contemporary Chinese entertainment such as dance, music and acrobatics as well as firecrackers, Chinese dragons and lions. Entry is free!
Tuesday 8th, 7-8pm – The Drunken Monkey, enjoy free dim sum and cocktails , followed by a lion dance at The Drunken Monkey
And if all else fails – get in some good grub (be it home made, take-away, or even a microwave meal if you’re on a budget) and stick on a Jackie Chan film.
