London Diary – Chinese New Year of Monkey and Valentine!

Feb 14, 2016

Happy Valentine!

Happy Chinese New Year of Monkey! Although Chinese New Year of Monkey started on the 8^th, London’s annual celebration of Chinese New Year was today. What a celebration! I had heard it was the biggest Chinese New Year celebration outside China and still it exceed my expectation. The all day celebration was spread out between Chinatown and Trafalgar Square; parade, ceremony, lion dance, dragon dance, music, dance performances, games for kids and more.

The whole area was festively decked up and very busy. I don’t remember the last time I had seen so many people or so many red lanterns. Trafalgar Square was full and Chinatown was packed. Gerrard Street was the vortex of the activities in Chinatown and when lion dance was performed periodically, it was brought to a standstill.

We were very late in getting to Trafalgar Square but between heads, decorating flags and lanterns, we managed to see the Flying Lion dance and Dragon dance, which were some amazing performances.

Our celebration ended with a yummy dinner back in Chinatown.