Chinese New Year celebrations in Glasgow
By Jamie Shovelin
Preparations are under way for the new years celebrations
Chinese New Year (the year of the dragon) is on the 10th of February this year. Celebrations will be held across the globe and Glasgow will have many events to celebrate the New Year.
Chinese New Year is a celebration of the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, this is why it is celebrated after the traditional western new year on the 31st of December.
Traditionally the new year is celebrated by cleansing the household and putting up red decorations, enjoying big family meals, giving gifts and honouring ancestors.
The city of Glasgow is no stranger to the new year celebrations, with many being held annually. However, the people of Glasgow know very little about the events being held in the city to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Emma Gallagher, of Greenock, said; “If I knew about these events, I would go. It sounds fun.”
Glasgow will be celebrating this by holding various events within the weeks to come.
Here are some to look out for:
Celebrate the Luna New Year with Scotland’s faith communities
Chinese food spread
Interfaith Scotland, Ricefield Arts and Cultural Centre and the Confucius Institute at the University of Glasgow will be holding a new year celebration on the 10th of February.
The night will consist of live performances of Classical Chinese dance, musical instruments and much more. There will be a chance to try various vegetarian Chinese food and drinks on arrival.
Chinese New Year Gala
The view from the Royal Concert Hall
“Step into the cultural vibrancy of the Chinese New Year gala for Scotland 2024 – an evening of celebration and enchantment!”
So says Glasgow life.
The city's Royal Concert Hall will be holding a Gala to celebrate the new year and its traditions on Sunday the 18th of February.
The event is set to be a feast for the senses with performances happening all night to show the bridge between contemporary and traditional celebrations.
George square celebrations
George Square will be lit up with dance and music
Right in the heart of the city centre, George Square will be holding celebrations. The Chinese Cultural and Welfare Society Scotland will be putting on their annual new year celebration on the 18th of February.
The celebrations will begin at midday with a Lion Dance and then will be followed by a ticketed art show at 1pm in the Glasgow City Chambers. Although this is a partly ticketed event tickets are free and available if you contact the Chinese Cultural and Welfare Society Scotland.
The city will be alive for the weeks following the Chinese New Year and there will be something for everyone to embrace the celebrations and have fun.