In the days leading up to the Chinese New Year, people clean their houses, repay debts, buy new clothes and have their hair cut. A celebratory meal is held on the eve of the new year, with many traditional dishes served, and fireworks and firecrackers are let off to see in the new year.
With the start of the new year, Lion Dances pass through the streets to bring good luck to the households and businesses they visit. The drums, gongs and cymbals that accompany the Lion Dance are used to scare away evil and bad luck.
Traditionally, the London Chinatown Chinese Association holds the London Chinese New Year celebrations on the first Sunday after new year's day. The 2010 celebration is on Sunday 21 February 2010 in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Chinatown.
Why Does The Date Change?
Chinese New Year is based on the lunar and solar calendars so the date varies from late January to mid-February.12pm - 6pm.
The official opening ceremony is at 12 noon in Trafalgar Square. This is followed by performances by artists from the Qinghai and Kunming provinces in China, as well as Chinese dragons, lions and Chinese acrobatics.
To close the celebrations there will be a colorful fireworks display in Leicester Square.
- Leicester Square
- Piccadilly Circus
- Charing Cross
Use Journey Planner to plan your route by public transport.
