Chinese New Year 2010

A year to roar

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most important event in the Chinese calendar. It’s a special occasion whichever part of the world you’re in, and nearly always marked by family gatherings, food rituals, offerings at temples, and the colour red.

The superstitious will particularly enjoy New Year’s Eve, when a raw fish salad (yu sheng) is said to bring good luck and fai-hai, a type of seaweed, prosperity. (The vegetarian option is lettuce, which the Chinese believe sounds like 'luck'.) While partygoers will especially revel in the noise. Because there’s a lot of it.

Chinese New Year in Amsterdam

Festivities will kick off on Saturday 20 February from 11:00 to 17:00 - free for all and all for fireworks! If you head for the Nieuwmarkt you'll first hear the bangers which are loud to ward off evil spirits. You'll probably also bump into the lion puppet which traditionally weaves along the Zeedijk, bringing luck to Chinese shops and restaurants. Shows and music performances around Chinatown will keep you entertained into the wee hours.

If you’re looking for something more intimate, retreat to the Fo Guang Shan He Hua, a real Buddhist temple which does a special programme; alternatively grab yourself a meal deal at the Sea Palace (Europe’s first floating Chinese restaurant) or at one of the many Chinese food joints along Stormsteeg and Geldersekade.

Also, at the Muziekgebouw the weekend prior (Saturday 13 & Sunday 14) take in three traditional Chinese Opera concerts by three very different performers as part of their Chinese Opera Weekend.