Chinese New Year will once again be celebrated in grand style in the centre of The Hague. Throughout the day, there will be parties in the Atrium The Hague of the City Hall and in Chinatown. All festivities are free to visit all day!
Chinese New Year is the most important festival of the year in Chinese culture and always takes place in late January or early February, due to the difference between the Western and Chinese calendars. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2024 is entirely in the sign of the dragon. Unlike Western constellations, the Chinese zodiac is based on the year of birth rather than the month of birth.
1History
According to lore, which is many centuries old, the celebration heralds the beginning of something new in which good fortune and prosperity play the leading role. Evil spirits are expelled and all good things return. To welcome the new year full of goodness, fireworks are set off, such as one hundred thousand bangers and dazzling ornamental fireworks.
The Chinese lion and dragon dance also plays an important role in this. The dragon is known to symbolise higher descent and power, while the lion symbolises good fortune and prosperity. Hence, Chinese New Year is always heralded festively with a colourful dragon and lion dance parade, accompanied by lots of decorative fireworks and, of course, a delicious Chinese banquet for family, friends and important relations.