Communities across the region have welcomed in the Chinese New Year and Year of the Rabbit with a host of traditional celebrations.
2023 is the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese Zodiac, and occurs every 12 years. The rabbit is said to symbolise longevity, peace and prosperity.
People born in the Year of the Rabbit are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded and ingenious.
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Durham welcomed in the Lunar New Year on Saturday (January 21) with traditional dances, colourful displays, demonstrations and oriental dishes.
A lion dance procession worked its way through Durham City centre on Saturday afternoon entertaining crowds and shoppers with a bright display.
The traditional parades are said to chase away evil spirits and signal good luck and fortune for the year ahead.
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Tai Chi demonstrations, opportunities to take part in East Asian crafts and a catwalk show of traditional Chinese costumers were all on the agenda.
Today (Sunday, January 22) celebrations will arrive in Newcastle’s Chinatown for the first time in three years following a hiatus due to the covid pandemic.
Lion, Dragon and Unicorn dancers will lead parades through Stowell Street in the city centre at lunchtime with Kung-Fu demonstrations and performances of traditional songs from Chinese university students.
talls serving Chinese food, and selling arts and crafts will be set up with sessions in Chinese lantern-making and calligraphy held for families.
Edmund Ng, organiser of the Newcastle Chinese New Year Festivities, told The Northern Echo: “It is great to have the Chinese New Year celebrations back and bigger and better this year, with three animal dancers and more stalls and festivities for everyone to enjoy.
Ben Whitfield, Director of Communications at NE1 Ltd added: “We are delighted to see the welcome return of the Chinese New Year festivities after an enforced break due to Covid, and are proud to be sponsoring the celebrations again this year. We would like to wish everyone in Newcastle and across the region a Happy and prosperous New Year.”
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