On Thursday, the London Eye, a famous landmark in Britain, was lit up in the traditional red and gold colors of the Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, as part of the celebration.
Despite the drizzle, people gathered near the iconic Ferris wheel on the south bank of the River Thames to witness the change of lights for the Spring Festival.
The illuminating ceremony, organized jointly by the London Chinatown Chinese Association and the London Eye, has become a regular part of Chinese New Year celebrations in London for several years, according to Scott O’Neil, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, the company that owns the attraction. “To have a special year like this, which is the Year of the Dragon, makes it all the more special,” O’Neil said.
O’Neil also spoke about the significance of the dragon, saying “it means loyalty, a drive-forward, and an active pursuit of something wonderful.”
The celebrations also included artistic performances under the London Eye, including the dragon dance. An 18-meter-long golden dragon from Tongliang, a district of Chongqing Municipality in southwest China, was unveiled during the evening performances.
The Tongliang Dragon Dance has a long history, originating in the Ming Dynasty and flourishing during the Qing Dynasty. In 2006, it was honored as part of the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage.
London resident Fie de Foiard Brown praised the performances, calling them “phenomenal, just stunning,” and adding that she had previously enjoyed the Spring Festival parade in London’s Chinatown.
O’Neil also expressed his admiration for the dragon and lion dancers, stating, “The opportunity to see the dragon and lion dancers here in front of the London Eye will be a memory I will not soon forget. They were energetic and brought life, and really signify the beauty and grace of Lunar Chinese New Year.”
