Even though the Chinese New Year is still a week away, people in Europe are already getting into the festive spirit by enjoying traditional Chinese cuisine and partaking in celebratory activities.
This year, the Chinese lunar new year, also known as the Year of the Dragon, falls on Feb. 10. In the lead up to the celebration, 50 iconic red London buses have been adorned with Chinese New Year imagery and have been traveling through London landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and St. Paul’s Cathedral to bring Spring Festival blessings to residents and tourists.
In London, the National Maritime Museum and the British Science Museum have both hosted Lunar New Year celebrations, complete with lion dances, tea tasting ceremonies, storytelling, and mahjong playing.
Additionally, a Chinese cuisine tasting event was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel in London, where master chefs from Shenzhen Culinary Association introduced guests to the characteristics of Cantonese Cuisine and invited them to prepare and taste traditional Chinese Year’s Eve dinner.
Meanwhile in Budapest’s Chinatown, a delegation from China’s southwest province of Chengdu showcased traditional Chinese arts, including intricate glass bottle painting and the culinary artistry behind Szechuan-styled stuffed buns.
“We had lived in China for four years and my son was born in Beijing, so we have a deep connection to the tradition,” said a man from Central Hungary, reflecting on his visit to the Chinatown in Budapest.
In Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, a folklore event titled “Dancing Dragon Welcomes Spring” was held at the China Cultural Center, featuring artistic performances, traditional Chinese games, and a tasting session of Chinese cuisine.
The Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria highlighted the significance of the dragon, a symbol of prosperity, strength, nobility, and luck, during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
In Madrid, a concert showcasing both Chinese songs and world classic opera excerpts was held at the National Music Auditorium, featuring performances by the Choir of the Shenzhen Dance and Opera Theater.
Attendees of the concert expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to experience sounds from other cultures and welcomed the efforts to strengthen cultural ties between China and Spain.
Furthermore, there was support for the visa exemption policy by the Chinese government for Spain, with a call for reciprocity for Chinese tourists who want to visit Spain.
