The Chinese New Year got off to a smashing start in the Chinese district of Antwerp last weekend. Some 2,000 people attended the famous lion dance parade. Visitors were treated to a New Year’s market, special exhibition, Chinese dance as well as workshops. The coming year is the Year of the Dragon, which is a special year for the Chinese.
For Chinese people New Year is the most important holiday of the entire year. This year is extra special because 4,721 on the Chinese calendar is the Year of the Dragon. "Many people like the dragon because it is a powerful animal. That's also why so many people came today," says organiser Joe Choi.
The lion dance parade attracted over 2,000 well-wishers. During the parade, people hang lettuces from shop awnings and restaurants in the Chinese quarter. Men in lion suits eat the lettuce, which represents good luck.
There is also plenty to do. There’s a special market with Chinese food and drinks, Chinese dance, a Tai Chi workshop, and an exhibition at the Permeke Library.
"Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in our culture. We wish each other good luck, prosperity and good health," explains Mark Neirynck, who works for the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Hong Kong's representation in Belgium and the European Union.
Visitors marvel
The crowd included Chinese people, but also many European well-wishers. It’s definitely not only people with Chinese roots who come to the celebration. "It is quite an experience for the children. Although the crowds are large, the children still managed to catch a glimpse of the lions," one visitor noted.
"It's interesting to get to know Chinese culture and to show it to my granddaughter," said another man.
"We both studied sinology, so we do have a link to China," two visitors from Ghent explained.
More than a single day
Officially, the celebrations for the Chinese the New Year last 15 days, each day has its own traditions. "In these modern times, we’re only able to celebrate for a couple of days because on Monday we have to be back at work," organiser Choi concludes.