The city will become a kaleidoscope of colour this weekend when it welcomes in the Chinese New Year.
The Chinese Association of Southampton, supported by
Southampton City Council and the Waterside Dragon Dance Club is once
again organising a dragon dance and parade this Sunday February 18.
Residents can experience and take part in this important date on the
Chinese calendar.
The series of events will begin at 11.00am at the Civic Centre with the
Mayor of Southampton, Councillor John Slade, performing the traditional
ceremony of ‘dim jing’, which involves painting the eye of the dragon -
a symbolic ritual to bring the dragon to life so that it can perform
and bring good luck in the New Year.
This will be followed by the dragon, unicorn and lion dances and a
martial arts display. Following the ceremony, the dragon will parade
through the City Centre, stopping off at various Chinese restaurants en
route and finishing at the Grosvenor casino.
There will also be Chinese food and delicacies, gifts, arts and crafts,
jewellery, traditional Chinese calligraphy and much more at the Chinese
market in front of the Bargate.
And don’t forget your camera! The best photograph of the Chinese New
Year celebrations will win a dinner for four at the Dragon Palace, one
of the finest Chinese restaurants in the city. Email photographs to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or post them to Event Management,
Southampton City Council, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LP. All
entries must be received by Friday 23rd February.
Event Schedule
09:00- 16:00 - Chinese Market - Bargate
11:00- 12:30 - Ceremony in Civic Centre car park
12:30- 15:00 - Parade through City Centre.
Year of the Pig
Anyone who is born in the year of the pig is usually an honest,
straightforward and patient person. They are a modest, shy character
who prefers to work quietly behind the scenes. When others despair,
they are often there to offer support. It is easy to put trust in
someone born under this sign; they won’t let you down and will never
even attempt to do so. Such people simply want to do everything right
according to social norms.
Chinese New Year facts:
. Chinese New Year is thousands of years old.
. It is commonly known as the Spring Festival and celebrations last over 15 days.
. The underlying message is one of peace and happiness for family members and friends.
. Similar to Christmas, preparations begin a month in advance and
people begin to purchase presents, gifts, food, clothing and
decorations for their homes.
. Bad luck from the past year is swept away on New Year’s Eve by tidying the home.
. A coat of red paint is given to doors and windowpanes which are then
decorated with symbols that reflect happiness, longevity and wealth.
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