Chinese New Year
If you’re not willing to let go of 2013 quite yet, you should definitely be celebrating Chinese New Year in Chester on February 1st in an event which will be great fun for the whole family.
This year, it’s the turn of the horse on the Chinese calendar and because of this, the whole city of Chester will be springing to life with a vibrant, oriental feel on a spectacular night of fun. The start of a new zodiac calendar in China is always cause for rejoicing on the other side of the world and it’s this spirit which will be spreading through the city centre.
The origins of the calendar date back to the story of Buddha when he requested all animals to meet him on the first day of the year, after which he named 12 years after each. Those born on the year of the horse are said to be charming, energetic and kind.
This February, expect to see lions and dragons roaming the cobbles of the Roman city with plenty of other brilliant things to catch the eye. If you never thought you’d see the day of a Happy Buddha walking around in northern Britain then this your perfect chance!
Orchestrated by the council and Wah Lei Chinese Asocation, there has been plenty of excitement leading up to the event. Executive member for culture and economy, Cllr Stuart Parker had this to say on the celebrations: “The colourful Chinese New Year celebrations are always a firm favourite with residents, shoppers and visitors to Chester.
“This is the fifth time they have been held in the city centre and afterwards workshops take place in Frodsham Street.
“I would urge everyone to come and see the year of the horse brought in, in fantastic style with music and costumes and something for everyone to enjoy.”
The occasion kicks off with style at 10.45 am along Eastgate Street as you get acclimatised to the different culture with an introduction to the famous characters. From here on, expect to lose yourself in a brilliant day of entertainment.
“Chinese New Year” by www.flickr.com/photos/lydiashiningbrightly
License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0