Chinese communities across the globe will celebrate Chinese New Year on January 23rd as they say goodbye to the year of the Rabbit and usher in the Water Dragon.
The most important of all Chinese festivals, this 15 day long celebration based on the lunar calendar, marks the beginning of Spring. On the eve of Chinese New Year homes are cleaned and swept of all the bad luck and misfortune to make way for the prosperity and good luck that the new year will bring. New clothes are worn to signify a fresh beginning and families gather for sumptuous feasts with fish, dumplings and New Year Cake. Firecrackers explode at midnight to mark the arrival of the new year and money gifts in traditional red envelopes are exchanged. The Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day, marks the end of celebrations. Lanterns glow outside homes and excited children carry them as they walk along. Rice dumplings signifying family harmony and happiness are typically eaten.
Head down to Toronto’s Chinatownat Dundas West & Spadina to watch the lion dancers welcome in the new year on January 23rd. Celebrations continue into the following weekend with an array of performances in the local area. Go and soak up the atmosphere.