Big Chinese New Year

This is the original edition of first article for LOL feature. Also for the reason of TV documentary, I fortunately attended most of the main events celebrating China in London 2008.

Big Chinese New Year

More than eight thousands of miles far away from China though, any Chinese living in London could be involved in rich celebrations for the Year of the Rat, and feel about festive air just no less than as in hometown.

Thirty years of China government releasing the policy of reformation and opening, the twenty-ninth summer Olympic Games in Beijing, planning launch of Shenzhou 7, which big events are believed put 2008 a big China year seen from the world wide angle.

China in London 2008
Also especially in London, China in London 2008 which includes a series event lasting for two months, began on 6th February on which day was also Chinese Lunar New Year.

2008 China in London season will end up with the Olympic Torch Relay of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on 6th April.

In the afternoon of 6th Feb. Olympic stars from China as well as England pressed together a red button at Oxford Circus to start the grand celebrations which were already successfully held for the last three years by the authority of the Office of Lord Mayor.

At the same time ten Chinese traditional red lanterns were lighted together in the sky of Oxford Circus.

China in London has been the biggest festivity for Chinese New Year outside Asia.

It has been cooperated with many famous British culture institutions, such as the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Royal Academy of Music etc, which push more than five hundreds activities.

Beijing - London both as Olympic Games holding places and their handover and takeover relationships are strong theme running through the 2008 China in London season.

Chinese New Year Celebrations
In Central London on 10th February at 11:00, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and the Chinatown held a colorful parade and theatrical performances in the meantime which were most expected through China in London season.

According to incomplete statistics, nearly half million Londoners as well as Chinese attended the six hours lasting entertainment.

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, drew eyes for Chinese performance dragon at the opening ceremony.

Dazzling dragon and lion dances were mostly welcomed by kids, also the best of traditional and contemporary Chinese arts performed from both London and China.

Seven times fireworks displayed in Leicester Square at 11 o’clock, each displayed on the hour, until 6 o’clock.

Throughout the day in Chinatown cultural stalls, Chinese traditional food and decorations, also lion dance displayed were quite attractive not only Londoners but many people from Europe.