Today (Feb 1) marks the Chinese Lunar New Year abnd the beginning of the Year of the Tiger.
However, for many Bristol-businesses which usually celebrate the New Year in style the year has begun with a whimper rather than a roar.
While some are excitedly gearing up for the start of the New Year, others have had grave concerns that dominate New Year wishes and prayers.
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Despite current regulatory ease, some of Bristol’s key Chinese establishments have claimed the disruption of COVID-19 has made matters difficult to return in time to host events for New Year.
Joe-Wah Chow, a manager at Wai Yee Hong, one of Bristol’s longest running Chinese supermarkets, explains the impact of the COVID pandemic on the business and customs.
He stated that for 30 years at Wai Yee Hong, they have traditionally hosted a dance ceremony annually that was aimed to bring luck to the family-owned business such as the qilin (Chinese unicorn) dance.
Joe-Wah said, “As a business, we usually arrange a family-friendly fun day with food stalls, dancing and singing performances, and the event is headlined by a traditional lion dance to bless our business for the coming year.”
“When we moved into our new Eastgate premises in 2007, our annual celebrations evolved further. We started inviting local groups and artists to perform and hired a large stage to ensure that the increasing number of visitors could see.
“We invited local street food traders to provide delicious New Year foods and face-painters to add colour to the festivities.”
However, for the first time since 1990, celebrations for Lunar New Year halted during the Year of the Rat in an unprecedented manner.
For two years since, the COVID pandemic has swept away any opportunities for the family to host New Year events, which Joe-Wah states has been of great devastation to both the business and his family.
He said, “We have to start planning for this event over half a year in advance, with some things booked a year in advance.
“Back then, there was no clear indication what restrictions might look like in the new year, so we were unsure if rules would allow anything to go ahead.
“As restrictions have only recently started to be lifted, we didn't have sufficient time to arrange a New Year event for 2022. Six months ago, it felt unwise to plan an event for large crowds of people to come together, especially when we were unsure of what restrictions might look like in the future.”
Another renowned establishment, Wong’s Restaurant, has been a staple for Bristol’s Chinese and Sichuan cuisine since 2012, have proudly held Lunar New Year activities that included a themed banquet and lion dance performances.
For manager Peng Wang, she believes that despite COVID restrictions being lifted, her team has chosen to not host a Lunar New Year celebration for the second year in a row.
She argues that due to the virus affecting communities, partying in masses may become a grave risk to others.
“I have been exhausted by COVID-19 in the past two years and I dare not to do more outrageous things that may worsen the situation. Not even a party.
“For the time being, I hope that business will get better. I don’t have a specific plan with future activities, but I do hope we have the opportunity soon.”
On the other hand, other notable names have found alternatives to continue forth with the happy occasion.
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Award-winning restaurant Woky Ko have discontinued WokyFest since 2020; however, the establishment has high hopes in being able to bring joy to their community, whether people plan to celebrate in public or refrain from participating due to COVID-19.
Their latest launch of ‘Woky Dollars’ during the first week of February, are worth between £5 to £50 that are up for grabs when customers place orders on the Woky Ko website.
Owner and chef Larkin Cen believes that the giveaway of over £6,000 of Woky Dollars signifies the true meaning of the Lunar New Year.
“For us, it’s all about giving back to the community and thanking them for their continuous and giant support over the last few years.
“One of my favourite memories around Chinese New Year was going to Hong Kong with my family when I was a child. The entire community comes together to celebrate and it’s such an amazing thing to see.
“Family and community really are at the heart of everything we do and we want to give back to Bristol and have them join in our New Year celebrations, even if it’s simply by taking the time to sit and enjoy our food together.”
As Lunar New Year serves to be a light for communities who celebrate its rich history, these businesses hope that while there may be adversities, they can ultimately remain to use their platform to spread pride and positivity.
Wai Yee Hong’s Joe-Wah Chow said, “Lunar New Year is the biggest event in the calendar for us, and our event is hugely important to the Chinese community in Bristol and the surrounding areas.
“Our New Year celebrations are a way for us to share our culture and heritage with the younger generations and with the local community.
"Our festivities serve as a focal point for the Chinese communities in the South West to come together and celebrate. To not have this, this year, is very sad.
“The plan is to keep doing the best we can for our customers and we hope to be able to bring back our New Year celebrations in 2023.”
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