Celebrating Chinese New Year 2024

Chinese New year 2024

Chinese New Year is just around the corner, with most celebrations taking place from Friday 9^th February up until Sunday 11^th February. This year is the year of the dragon. If you are an international student feeling homesick, or want to celebrate with new friends and flatmates, there is so much happening during this period across UK cities and within your student residencies.  Here isa little guide of some of the best Chinese New Year 2024 activities.

WHAT IS CHINESE NEW YEAR?

A yearly celebration beginning on the first full moon of the new year. The Chinese New Year traditions are built around the culture and origins of the Chinese zodiac cycle, which follows the phases of the moon. These are represented by the 12 animals that have years assigned to them.

CHINESE NEW YEAR TRADITIONS

To help you celebrate the traditional holiday, here are a few traditional Chinese New Year activities that you could participate in.

• Red envelopes- traditionally filled with money and gifted to friends and family on Chinese New Year. Signifying luck for years to come. You could hand out red envelopes with messages or little surprises to friends at university.
• Reunion Dinners- a dedicated time for families to reunite. When celebrating with your friends, why not give them a taste of Chinese culture? Plan a potluck dinner with your favourite dishes to bring to the table
• Dragon Dances- The Year of the dragon is the perfect excuse to witness some of the best dragon dances. Find out if your city is hosting any firework displays to ring in the New Year.
• Cleaning- has a great traditional significance in the New Year festive culture. Considered like a spring cleaning, this signifies a reset that sweeps away the old ready for the new.
• Student events- many universities or residences will host their own celebrations which are certainly worth looking into. Look out for our Chinese New Year events by following our event highlight

Celebrating Chinese New Year in your University City

Most major cities in the UK host their own celebrations which are worth looking into with friends. Here are just a few to give you inspiration.

LIVERPOOL

If you’re seeking out Chinese New Year celebrations, the Chinese Arch is the place to be. Located on Nelson Street, it is home to the yearly festival and is decorated with beautiful lanterns and adornments all around. Head to Albert Dock on 11^th to see an illuminated dragon and dances. The Arch and The Electra residents get ready for red envelope treats and more.

COVENTRY

Enjoy some tasty traditional food at some of the many Chinese restaurants and supermarkets the town centre has to offer. City Village residents will be celebrating with a range of fun activities including unlimited stir fry noodles and craft making on Friday 9^th February.

GLASGOW

West View and West Village students will be celebrating by putting their calligraphy skills to the test in another great craft workshop. Plus, make sure to check out our favourite Chinese restaurant in Glasgow:  Chow– a 8 minute journey from West Village

Tag us in your Chinese New Year celebrations @downing_students