You might know it as Chinese New Year, or maybe even as Spring Festival, but Lunar New Year is not only a major holiday in China but in South Korea, Vietnam and other East Asian countries – and Bristol likes to get in on the celebration too! It marks the start of the lunar calendar, which follows the moon cycles, the traditional Chinese calendar.
The first day of the Lunar New Year begins with the first new moon of this calendar. Each year is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. This year, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, it is the Year of the Snake.
What is the main Lunar New Year celebration in Bristol?
Traditionally, the Lunar New Year is a time to honour deities and ancestors, and usually involves visiting family. Celebrations often contain fireworks, food, lanterns and the colour red. The biggest of Bristol’s Lunar New Year celebrations, however, will take place once again at the Chinese supermarket Wai Yee Hong in Eastville.
On Saturday, February 1, the family-run supermarket will host its annual free festivities with traditional lion dances, kung fu demonstrations, Chinese folk music performances and much more. With two performance times, 11am and 1.30pm, acts include UWE K-Pop Dance Troupe, Clevedon School Elite Dancers, Yi Quin lion dance troupe, Bath Taekwondo – as it raises money for Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal.
The Festive New Year Market will also return on the same day where you can taste a wide variety of Asian foods. Newcomers, No Boundaries – Good Eats will join from their usual spot in Fishponds to serve delicious bibimbap; Desy Thai is back with their Thai noodle and curry dishes; Gopal’s Curry Shack will have vegan and vegetarian Indian street food; try Japanese favourites from She Sells Sushi; and Duckman is back BBQ roast meats. Plus, so much more, as well as face painting and glitter tattoos.
What else is happening?
If you can’t make it down to that, the following weekend (February 8 & 9) will see the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery also celebrating the Lunar New Year. A host of free performances and activities will take place at one of Bristol’s best art galleries to celebrate Chinese culture – including music performances, martial arts demonstrations and lion dances. Plus, hands-on crafts, roving pandas, and a snake trail around the museum.