Whether you're a homesick Hong-konger or someone whose experience of China begins and ends with the sweet and sour pork from the local Chinese-chippy, it's time to don something red and celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon. If you're 24, 36, 48, or 60 this year it’s lucky for you, but fortunately, everyone else is allowed to celebrate too (that's called Communism).
The Parade
The year of the Dragon officially begins tomorrow, Monday 23rd of January, but the celebrations in London will commence a week later on the 29th of January.
The parade starts at 10.15am on Rupert Street (nearest tube Piccadilly Circus) and finishes at 11.30am. At noon, the opening ceremony will commence on the main stage at Trafalgar Square with Boris Johnson and Stanley Tse, who will perform the Dotting of the Eye ceremony, which will bring the dragons and lions to life (obviously). More than 100 performers will take part, including the Chen Brothers (who, somewhat obscurely, hold the Guinness World Record for the highest pole jump in flying lion dance). The event culminates in the fireworks finale at 5.40pm.A second stage in Shaftesbury Avenue will host performances from a range of local community groups and schools. You'll also find a parade of lion dancers and a range of stalls selling traditional produce in Chinatown.
The Culture
If you know next to nothing about Chinese culture, this is a good place to start. Watch 'Love in a Puff', read 'The World of Suzie Wong', or book yourself a ticket to see Cantopop sensation Eason Chan as he brings his concert to the O2 Arena London on the 23rd April 2012. Alternatively, you could just go and sit in the Cafe de Hong Kong near Leicester Square tube station and yell 'diu lei' into a mobile phone, or perhaps say a cheery 'kung hei fat choi' to an actual Chinese person. Note: I wouldn't suggest saying this to any waiters in Chinatown, you're likely to receive a response along the lines of 'what that fuck are you talking about mate?' in a strong Essex accent.
But in all seriousness, here are some of my favourite things to do around CNY.
Fresh Flowers
Walking through the rainy Victoria park, squeezing amongst the crowds of people and the stalls selling hello kitty trinkets, and of course bunches of flowers. The crowd peaks at a few hours before and after midnight of the New Year's Day. In London, take your camera and check out the New Covent Garden Market.Orange Throwing
Do it like they do in Lam Tsuen Village; Write down your wish, attach it to an orange, wind up and lob it into the branches of one of the specially provided wishing trees. Any tree in or near China town will do. In Hong Kong, this practice was discouraged by the authorities when one of the branches gave way and injured two people. Exercise due caution.Fish Lantern
Filling your apartment with Chinese lanterns is preferable to setting off fireworks indoors. So, construct your very own Ang Pow Fish Lantern! This is supposed to mark the end of the New Year celebrations. In some region and countries, this festival is also regarded as the Chinese version of St. Valentine's Day. The Food
The food is perhaps the most important element of this celebration, and of Chinese culture itself. Self-induced food comas are a past-time that many Hong Kongers spend a good deal of time exploring and perfecting. So, screw your New Years diet Resolution and check out the following for classic Cantonese, fiery Sichuan and delicious dim sum.
The Royal China Club40-42 Baker Street, W1U 7AJ
The best dim-sum in town. Classic Cantonese cuisine; don't miss the Xiao Long Bao. Book ahead on a Sunday afternoon.
Bar Shu28 Frith Street, W1D 5LF
The pinnacle of Sichuan cooking. As Mao said, 'If you don't eat chillies, you won't be a revolutionary.' - many of the items on this menu are marked as very hot.
Princess Garden8-10 North Audley Street, W1K 6ZD
Beggar's Chicken (advanced notice required), abalone, and seaweed. Cantonese classics and modern inventions by Leading Hong Kong Head Chef, Mr Wai Ming Chow.
This is a great opportunity to experience the best elements of another culture, try new food, and throw oranges at trees. Whilst CNBC claimed that China will never rule the world, I'm going to hedge my bets and take sides with MC Jin, when he uttered the immortal lyrics: "Ya'll gonna learn Chinese, ya'll gonna wanna be Chinese, ya'll gonna learn Chinese, when the pumps go off, ya'll gon' speak Chinese". So maybe it's about time you shoved a pork bun in your mouth and made friends with the dragon.
Kung Hei Fat Choi, bitches.
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