Chinese New Year in London

Chinese New Year is the topmost yearly festival celebrated by the Chinese. This festival is celebrated in almost all countries in the world specifically in the communities of Chinese. The celebration usually starts either last week of January or first week of February.

In Europe, London has the biggest population of Chinese. Every year the community celebrates the festival around Chinatown and Leicester and Trafalgar Squares. Thousands of European people and travelers go to the festival to share the joyous moment with the people of China. During the celebration there are different parades, display of fireworks, martial arts exhibition by the Monks of Shaolin and various dances that reflect their rich cultural heritage. An example of their famous dances is the lion and dragon dances. The dancers usually perform these dances in front of the different business establishments to wish them good luck for the incoming year. The fireworks display on the one hand, is done in Leicester Square. The Chinese believe that firecrackers drive evil spirits away.

Like in other countries, London also has a Chinatown where the Chinese business establishments are located. This whole area is decorated with numerous red lanterns. According to their belief, the color red is the representation of fire that keeps bad luck away and brings prosperity.