This weekend, Manchester will celebrate Chinese New Year with a vibrant dragon parade and exciting events in Chinatown. Expect road closures and a lively atmosphere as festivities unfold.
Manchester: This weekend, the city is buzzing with excitement for Chinese New Year. Families and friends are coming together to celebrate the Year of the Snake.
Even though the official New Year was on January 29, the fun continues for weeks. The city center is decked out with red lanterns and decorations, setting the stage for the main events on Saturday and Sunday.
Visitors can look forward to street food markets, music, and performances. One highlight is the dragon parade, featuring a stunning traditional dragon, acrobats, dancers, and drummers.
If you’re planning to join in, we’ve got all the info you need. From the amazing dragon displays to delicious food stalls, plus important timings and road closures to keep in mind.
So, what’s the difference between Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year? They often get mixed up, but they’re not the same. Chinese New Year is specific to China, while Lunar New Year is celebrated by various Asian communities worldwide.
Both celebrations share similar customs, like honoring ancestors, giving red envelopes, and enjoying lion dances and symbolic foods.
The dragon parade is a must-see event. It kicks off at noon on Sunday, February 2, starting at the junction of Oxford Street and George Street. The parade will wind through Portland Street and end in Chinatown.
On Saturday, February 1, there’s also a night dragon parade at 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Plus, an illuminated dragon will light up the streets of Chinatown on February 2 at 6:30 PM.
Throughout the weekend, there will be a food market with tasty snacks and meals from local vendors. DJs will spin Cantonese and Mandarin pop songs on Saturday night, while the Guizhou Acrobatic Troupe will perform on Sunday.
All events are free and open to everyone. Just make sure to arrive early for the best views of the dragon parade!
Road closures will be in effect over the weekend, starting from 5 AM on Saturday until late Sunday night. Key streets like Nicholas Street and St James’ Street will be affected.
Bus services will also be diverted on Sunday from 9:30 AM to 3 PM to accommodate the parade. So, plan your travel accordingly!
