Lunar New Year Celebrations Across the Midlands
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Loading... - Adelino Langa
- 28 Jan 2025
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The Midlands is gearing up to celebrate the Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake with a vibrant array of festivities. This annual event, celebrated by millions worldwide, particularly in East and Southeast Asia, will see communities across the UK join in the celebrations starting from January 29. The festivities will last for 15 days, culminating in a traditional lantern festival.
In Birmingham, the heart of the celebrations will be the Chinese Quarter, where dragon processions and various cultural performances are set to take place. On February 1 and 2, the city center will come alive with traditional music, dance, and theater performances, particularly in Hippodrome Square. Local businessman Lawrence Barton expressed optimism for this year’s turnout, hoping to surpass last year's impressive attendance of 38,000. He remarked, "We're so lucky to have such an enthusiastic and energetic Chinese community here."
Jeffrey Yap, chair of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, highlighted some of the exciting events planned for this year's festival. He mentioned the return of traditional activities such as the waking of the Lion 'Dim Jing', dragon dances, and the appearance of Pom Pom, a ten-foot giant panda. "It's going to be a fantastic weekend," Yap said, emphasizing the festival's appeal.
Additionally, the Museum of Royal Worcester will host family-friendly activities on February 2, including a demonstration of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, providing an educational experience for attendees.
At the University of Warwick, students have organized their own celebration on January 28, featuring workshops on calligraphy and Chinese knot-tying, culminating in a lion dance performance to conclude the day's festivities.
The Lunar New Year celebrations in the Midlands promise to be a vibrant showcase of culture and community spirit, inviting everyone to partake in the rich traditions associated with this significant occasion.
