Gong Hei Fard Choy!

Chinese New Year starts this weekend, more specifically the 31st February 2014:

"Year of the Horse"

The first day of the Chinese New Year is an important traditional holiday and celebrations run from the Chinese New Year's Even until the Lantern Festival, which is the 15th day of the first month. In the Georgian calendar, Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year as it is a lunisolar calendar. Unlike our own calendar, it doesn't continuously number the years. Instead, it is based on a 12-year cycle and each year is related to an animal (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig). Those people who were born during the "Year of the Horse" are recognized as energetic, bright and intelligent. I was born in the "Year of the Rabbit" though I feel very identified with the characteristics mentioned before! ;)

Bristol is hosting celebration events in many corners of the city. I highlighted some of them here:

Eastgate Oriental City (BS5 6XX) is celebrating the arrival of the new year on the 1st February starting from 11.15am in a free event. The celeration will start with firecrackers to scare away the evil spirits for the new year, followed by Kung Fu skill demonstrations and Chinese Lion dance. There will be fresh Asia Dumplings offered for free and you will have the opportunity to buy Chinese treats and tea. More information here. 

On the other hand, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is also hosting another event to celebrate  the Chinese New Year. Next 1st and 2nd February there will be free performances and activities throughout both days from 11am to 4pm. Performances include Kung Fu demonstrations, Fan and Handkerchief Dance, Lion Dance and traditional Chinese songs. There will also be stalls, displays and activities in all three floors of the museum. Organisers advise that the event can get busy and there might be queues to get in. Click here to download the programme.

LINKS
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Celebrations in Bristol Museum and Art Gallery:
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/leisure-and-culture/chinese-new-year-celebrations-2014
Celebrations in Eastgate Oriental City:
http://www.waiyeehong.com/news/1-latest/360-chinese-new-year-2014-wai-yee-hong
What does "Year of the Horse" mean?
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/chinese-new-year-2014-what-does-year-horse-mean-1434208