Chinese New Year - 14 Feb 2010 - Year of the Tiger

Chinese New Year (also known as Spring Festival and Lunar New Year) occurs this year on February 14 in the lunar calendar (coinciding with St. Valentine’s Day). 

The date varies each year, depending on the phases of the moon, but always falls between late January and mid-February. 

This year signifies the Year of the Tiger in Chinese astrology, associated with bravery – which is appropriate considering the challenges many of us face!

Although 14 February is the main day, the event is also celebrated on dates before and after.  In London the main celebration takes place on 21 February in and around Chinatown, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.  Events include: Parades, Chinese dragons and dragon dances, lions, acrobats, food and music - ending with a fireworks display in Leicester Square. 

Watch for other events in London, including Chinese New Year celebrations at the National Maritime Museum, a photographic exhibition featuring tigers at the National Geographic Store, and a live Chinese classical music concert.  Check the internet and your local media for events near you.

This is the time of year when many people travel to reunite and celebrate with their families.  It is also a tradition to wear new clothes - to signify a new start in the new year, and as a sign of prosperity.  The colour red is dominant as it is believed to scare away bad spirits and bad luck. 

Fireworks and firecrackers are part of the celebrations but, due to the number of accidents as well as safety concerns, they are banned in many parts of the world other than in controlled displays.  

Visit our Country Guide for travel information and click on the link for updated travel advice provided by the Foreign Office (FCO) as part of their ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign).

If you are travelling to be with family during the celebrations, don’t invite bad luck by neglecting to take out travel insurance!  Our Backpacker travel insurance policy starts from just 20p per day.  

Wishing you good health, good fortune, peace, and prosperity for the upcoming year!

Flickr Image:  msmccomb

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