The Jersey Lunar New Year Festival, presented by the Creative Island Partnership, is back for its second year, promising a delightful celebration of Chinese New Year and Spring Festival. This cultural extravaganza invites residents and visitors to join in the festivities, discover Chinese traditions, and bask in the joy of the Year of the Dragon. From immersive cultural experiences to vibrant performances and delectable food, the festival offers something for everyone.
About Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, is celebrated by East-Asian communities worldwide. In 2024, Lunar New Year falls on February 10th and lasts until February 24th. This auspicious occasion is a time to celebrate family, prosperity, and embrace positivity for the upcoming year. The Year of the Dragon, symbolizing prosperity, luck, hope, and opportunity, is one of the 12 zodiac animals in the lunar calendar.
Events
- Pu’er Tea Experience with The Yard and the Jersey Museum:
- Date: February 10th – February 24th
- Location: The Yard at the Jersey Museum
- Immerse yourself in China’s traditional Tea Culture by sampling Pu’er Tea accompanied by tasty Custard Bao Bun. Experience a small exhibition about tea culture, mountain tea plantations, and tea leaf processing.
- Live Art Installation – The Tale of the Dragon of La Hougue Bie:
- Date: February 3rd (10am – 1pm)
- Location: 17-19 Queen Street
- Local artist Jamie O’Neill brings Jersey’s dragon legend to life through a captivating live art installation displayed in a shop window on Queen Street.
- Dragon Dancers Appearances:
- Date: February 10th (Various times)
- Location: St Helier High Street
- A group of performers will dazzle the crowd with Dragon Dancing, Lion Dancing, Tai Chi, and Kung Fu demonstrations. Don’t miss the Tai Chi and Kung Fu workshops in the Royal Square.
- Opening Ceremony and Tasty Asia Food Market:
- Date: February 11th (12pm – 4pm)
- Location: Jersey Central Market
- Join the festivities at the historic Central Market featuring cultural performances, food stalls with delectable Asian cuisine, artisan products, kids’ activities, and face painting. Witness the eye-dotting ceremony to awaken a visiting Dragon.
- Inner Mongolia Performance Troupe:
- Date: February 17th – February 18th
- Location: The Freedom Centre
- Be mesmerized by a troupe of 26 cultural performers from Inner-Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. Delight in traditional songs, dance, craftsmanship, and instrumental music during the 90-minute performances.
The Jersey Lunar New Year Festival offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and vibrant festivities of Chinese New Year. From tea experiences and live art installations to dragon dancers and cultural performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to participate in the Lunar New Year children’s activity booklet and the red envelope initiative, where you can explore the High Street and unlock exclusive offers. Embrace the Year of the Dragon with joy, luck, and prosperity at the Jersey Lunar New Year Festival.
Read more at: https://www.gov.je/Leisure/Events/WhatsOn/Pages/LunarNewYear.aspx
