CHINESE NEW YEAR festivities have kicked off this weekend in Dublin, and will be continuing for the next two weeks.
Last night the opening ceremony at Meeting House Square was filled with dragons, drummers and circus performers to celebrate the Year of the Rooster.
Chinese New Year is the largest human migration in world as hundreds of millions of people in China travel to their hometowns to celebrate.
One in twenty adults in Ireland will celebrate Chinese New Year this year, by either eating Chinese food (71%), spending time with their family and friends (17%) or attending events in the city (9%).
So if you’re thinking about heading out this weekend to see what’s on, here’s five events to start with:
1. Live illustration at Arnotts Today, from 12-3pm
Near to the Chinatown area, visitors to Arnotts, Henry St can enjoy a stunning live drawing installation from Chinese artist Angela Wang who will bring her unique signature drawing style, a fusion of Western and Asian art techniques. Gifts will be offered (with purchases) at various Arnotts beauty counters too.
2. RIAM Dublin Concert in UCD Today at 7.30pm
The RIAM Symphony Orchestra will be joined by 10-year-old Chinese/Irish pianist Joe O’Grady today in the Astra Hall, UCD Student Centre for a performance of Beethoven’s elegant Piano Concerto No 1, Conducted by Ronan O’Reilly.
The spirited flagship orchestra of the RIAM Junior School, will also present much-loved works by Schubert and Sibelius on the first day of the Chinese New Year. Tickets cost €7-10.
3. Chinese Cookery Masterclass Tomorrow, 10am-4pm
If you’re looking to hone your Chinese food cooking skills, the Cooks Academy will be offering a special full-day Cookery Masterclass with Lauréat of Le Grand Prix de Cuisine de L’Academie, Chef Kwanghi Chan, and award-winning American-Chinese food writer Mei Chin.
A former editor at Vogue Magazine, Mei has written reviews and essays for Gourmet, Vogue, Mirabella and the New York Times. Both will share secrets of authentic Chinese cooking (for the price of €140 per person) as they guide participants through the hands-on preparation of four traditional dishes.
4. Asian Flavours on a Lazy Bike Tour, Tomorrow 2-4pm
One of the most popular events of the programme is The Asian Flavour Lazy Bike Tour. The tour explores Chinese influences and flavours in cosmopolitan Dublin, visiting different Chinese restaurants and sampling authentic Chinese dishes. Tickets are €25, but make sure you check the weather forecast first before signing up.
5. Screening of ‘Up The Yangtze’, Tomorrow, 3pm
An award-winning documentary film by Chinese-Canadian director Yung Chang will present a free screening at the Hugh Lane Gallery.
It’s set at the edge of the Yangtze River, not far from the Three Gorges Dam, and tells the story of young men and women who take up employment on a cruise ship, where they confront rising waters and a radically changing China.
There are a range of other events that will run over the next two weeks, including an amateur photography competition which encourages people to take photos of Chinese New Year celebrations outside of China’s mainland.
Many iconic buildings around the world such as the Empire State Building and Sydney Opera House will also be turning red to mark the beginning of Chinese New Year.
You’re also likely to see a lot of rooster themed installations on your social media feeds…
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