Liverpool Gears Up for Vibrant Lunar Fresh Year Celebrations
Liverpool is preparing to welcome the Lunar New Year with a series of events, culminating in major celebrations on February 22nd. The festivities promise a vibrant display of culture, performance, and community spirit, particularly within the city’s historic Chinatown – the oldest Chinese community in Europe.
A Procession of Tradition and Art
Leading up to the main weekend, a colourful procession will take place on February 14th. The Liverpool Hung Gar Kung Fu Friendship Association, Pagoda Arts, and Movema dance company will join members of the Chinese community to showcase traditional costumes and performances. Expect to see Beijing opera-style costumes and stilt walkers from Artemis Productions adding to the spectacle.
The procession will initiate at 13:00 from Church Alley, proceeding along Church Street, Paradise Street in Liverpool ONE, and concluding at the Royal Albert Dock. This route ensures the celebrations are accessible to a wide audience and integrates the festivities with key city landmarks.
Chinatown Comes Alive: A Weekend of Festivities
The heart of the Lunar New Year celebrations will be in and around Chinatown on February 21st and 22nd. From 11:00 to 17:00 GMT on both days, visitors can enjoy a diverse range of activities. These include family workshops, Tai Chi demonstrations, live music, street theatre, unique stage performances, a fairground, and a variety of food and craft stalls.
Sunday, February 22nd, promises to be the most spectacular day, featuring firecracker displays and traditional parades with dragons, lions, and unicorns. The Liverpool Hung Gar Kung Fu Club will as well be performing a Lion Dance display, having been a fixture of Liverpool’s Chinatown celebrations since 1970. They will be at Blackstock Market on Sunday between 12:00 and 15:00.
Illuminating the City
From February 14th, thousands of red lanterns will adorn the streets around Chinatown, Liverpool ONE, and the Royal Albert Dock, creating a visually stunning atmosphere. The Town Hall and St George’s Hall will also be illuminated in red, further enhancing the celebratory mood.
Adding to the visual spectacle, two lantern centrepiece art installations – a horse and a pair of dragons – have been commissioned for the celebrations. These were handcrafted in Zigong, the Chinese capital of lantern making.
Lunar New Year Traditions: A Global Perspective
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated by millions of people around the world. It’s a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and wishing for solid fortune in the year ahead. The traditions vary across different cultures, but common themes include red decorations (symbolizing prosperity and happiness), lion and dragon dances (believed to ward off evil spirits), and the exchange of red envelopes containing money.
Did you know?
The Lunar New Year is based on the lunisolar calendar, meaning it follows both the cycles of the moon and the sun. This is why the date changes each year, typically falling between January 21st and February 20th.
FAQ
What is the Lunar New Year? It’s a festival celebrating the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.
Where are the main celebrations in Liverpool? The main celebrations will be held in and around Chinatown on February 21st and 22nd.
What time do the events start? Activities will take place from 11:00 to 17:00 GMT on both days.
Will there be a procession? Yes, a procession will take place on February 14th, starting at 13:00 from Church Alley.
Explore More
Want to learn more about Chinese culture and traditions? Visit the Culture Liverpool website for details on all events and timings.
Share your photos and experiences from the Lunar New Year celebrations using #LunarNewYearLiverpool!
