The Lunar New Year is almost upon us and there are several ways the people of Bristol can celebrate. Also referred to as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, 2023 is the first time in two years that businesses around Bristol can resume their usual celebrations.
January 22 marks the start of the Year of the Rabbit and the Lunar calendar runs until February 9, 2024. According to the Chinese Zodiac, those born in a year of the Rabbit are said to be kind-hearted, witty and cheerful. People born in this year have pink and purple as their lucky colours.
It is considered to be the most important national holiday in China but is also celebrated in other countries such as South Korea and Vietnam. Bristol also has a number of different events - many of which are free of charge - for those looking to mark the occasion this year with events spread across three weekends.
Read more: How to say 'happy new year' in Mandarin and Cantonese
Konbini, Emersons Green
Where? Unit 8B, Emersons Green Retail Park, Bristol, BS16 7AE
When? Saturday 21 to Sunday, 22 January 2023
There will be free food tasting on Saturday and Sunday between 12pm and 4pm, with a traditional Lion Dance performance scheduled for 4pm on Sunday (January 22). The Asian supermarket opened its third retail store in December and is home to an enormous array of specialist ingredients from countries across the continent, including bubble tea and freshly made bubble waffles.
Wai Yee Hong Chinese Supermarket, Eastville
Where? Eastgate Oriental City, Eastgate Rd, Bristol BS5 6XX
When? Saturday, January 28, 2023
Wai Yee Hong is reprising their annual Lunar New Year event for the first time in two years due to the pandemic. It is said to be one of the largest events in the South West, filled with dance and musical performances, lion dances and a buzzing street food market.
The event itself is free to attend, however, visitors are asked to consider donating to The Grand Appeal if they are able to - more information here.
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, city centre
Where? Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL
When? Saturday 28 to Sunday, 29 January 2023
Bristol Museum has organised a jam-packed programme of free events across two days with the return of the exciting and colourful lion dance. This extremely popular event includes vibrant song and dance performances along with martial arts demonstrations to learn about Chinese and Korean culture. There are plenty of craft and traditional activities and opportunities to purchase beautiful Chinese goods for sale in the shop. Full details of the hour-by-hour programme are available on the museum's website.
Filton Community Centre, Filton
Where? Elm Park Filton BS34 7PS
When? Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 2pm
South Gloucestershire Chinese Association and South Gloucestershire Race and Equality Network are working together to bring an afternoon of music, community dance performances, tai chi, a dragon dance and some extra surprises. T he event is £6 and will include a Chinese meal from Wong's restaurant - tickets available here.
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