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Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations come Leicester

Chinese Lunar New Year has begun and we are welcoming in the Year of the Snake!

Running from 29 January to 12 February, the Chinese Lunar New Year is a festival that celebrates the start of the lunisolar calendar marking the end of winter and beginning of spring. It is the Year of the Snake who, in China, are often called the ‘little dragon’ as they are considered very shy but is also selfless, ambitious, honest, righteous, and foresighted.

The festival is celebrated across many countries in East Asia including Vietnam, Japan, North and South Korea and Mongolia, each of which bring their own traditions. In China, the festival is celebrated with gifts, fireworks and traditional dances that culminate with a large lantern festival.

Across the city Cosmopoliation Arts have a range of dance workshops, arts and crafts, music festivals and more to celebrate the season. At the University of Leicester, staff and students are invited to Students’ Union Square in the Percy Gee Building on Wednesday where traditional lion dancers will provide two colourful displays to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, taking place at 11.00am and 1.00pm.

Happy Chinese Lunar New Year, and we hope the Year of the Snake brings you luck!

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