With Lunar New Year fast approaching, we’ve compiled your definitive guide to family-friendly and affordable ways to ring in the Year of the Horse in our borough.
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, marks the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. Part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the celebration occurs annually on the new moon between 21 January and 20 February and assigns a zodiac animal for each year.
This year, it falls on Tuesday 17 February and there’ll be plenty to do in Royal Greenwich to help you celebrate the Year of the Horse in style.
Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said: “Our borough’s celebrations aren’t just an amazing way to celebrate the Lunar New Year, but also to take part in and learn about a much-loved event in the world’s cultural calendar. Low-cost, family-friendly events like these are the perfect way to celebrate Chinese culture, art, history and cuisine without even leaving Royal Greenwich.”
Greenwich Peninsula celebrates the Year of the Horse
When: Saturday 21 February, 12pm to 5pm
Where: Peninsula Square, SE10 0SQ
What’s on: Whether it’s the iconic Dragon and Lion dances, traditional Chinese arts and crafts, all-day DJ sets or the delicious culinary offerings, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year at Peninsula Square.
Lunar New Year at the National Maritime Museum
When: Saturday 21 February, 10am to 4pm
Where: National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF
What’s on: Kicking off with the first of many Lion dance performances, the National Maritime Museum will also host creative workshops and fascinating talks which shed light on some of China’s most iconic cultural customs.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Lunar New Year events at your local library within our borough for smaller events across the borough.