The Lunar New year, a major holiday in China, South Korea, Vietnam and other East Asian countries, is just around the corner.
The first day is marked by the first new moon of this calendar and each year is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
This year’s Lunar New Year marks the start of the Year of the Snake on January 29 and Bristol is packed with all kind of events to celebrate.
Scroll through to learn about 14 dazzling ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year, including traditional lion dance performance, Kung Fu demonstrations and calligraphy workshops.
13. 蛇年如意 | 平安自在 Embrace Peace and Prosperity in the Year of the Snake! | Lunar New Year Calligraphy Workshop at Cass Art, Park Street
Welcome the Year of the Snake by exploring the art of Chinese calligraphy at Cass Art Bristol on February 8 from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Guests will have the chance to learn about traditional Lunar New Year customs, write blessings like 迎春 (Welcome Spring),福 (Luck), 大吉 (Good Fortune),如意 (Prosperity) and create their own festive calligraphy to bring luck and joy to the new year. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/4ailYap | Google Maps
14. Year of the Snake Gala Banquet at Wong's
Slither into a night of delicious food, dazzling performances, and good fortune at Wong's Year of the Snake Gala Banquet on February 26 from 6pm to 9pm. On arrival guests will be able to mingle with a formal welcome from the Councillor Andrew Varney, Lord Mayor of Bristol at 6.30pm. The programme will then include a delicious banquet interspersed with entertainment and updates about Wong's work with China. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/4gY61bV | Curtis Goss via Google Maps