LONDON, Feb. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, Longleat House in the UK is hosting the Festival of Light, a lantern exhibition centred on two of the most famous Chinese dynasties, where iconic moments from Chinese history will be brought to life. Organized in conjunction with Zigong Lantern New Asia Cultural Industry Co., this event is just one of many being held across the UK and around the world.
2015 saw events reach from Beijing to Benin, and from Spain to Senegal, covering cultural activities from dumpling-making, to traditional acrobatics and Sichuan opera. 2016 will see even farther flung festivities, with lion dancers and martial artists alike sharing the message of 'Happy Chinese New Year' across the globe.
A cultural official from the Chinese Embassy in London said, "These events offer a great opportunity for people across the globe to be a part of Chinese New Year, and to better understand Chinese culture and traditions. Collaborations in historic spaces like Longleat House and Trafalgar Square allows us to create fantastic experiences for all to attend."
Roots
Spring Festival, also known as the Lunar New Year, is one of the most important cultural events in China. 2016 will welcome the Year of the Monkey, part of an ancient tradition in which the Chinese Zodiac attaches animal signs to each of a cycle of 12 years.
Back in China, the celebrations, which will begin on Monday the 8th of February, will continue for two weeks. The period will see the earth's biggest human migration, with an estimated 2.8 billion trips using public transport networks last year, as the customary journey home sees people from across China travel back to re-unite and spend time with family.
International
Overseas Chinese will also come together for the festival. London's annual Chinese New Year celebrations, the biggest in the world outside China, will bring a swathe of Chinatown life to the city. In New York, an annual parade winds through the streets of Manhattan's Chinatown, bringing colors and costumes. Singapore residents and visitors will gather at the River Hongbao for giant lanterns, exotic delicacies and spectacular fireworks.
These cities represent just some of the locations across the globe that will celebrate the festivities. The events are a reflection of the expanding international recognition of Chinese culture and traditions. As Chinese New Year continues to spread further around the world, everyone will a have chance to join in.
Contact:
Mark Scott
Ogilvy Public Relations
+86 18611341742
[email protected]
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Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160203/329152
SOURCE Zigong Lantern New Asia Cultural Industry Co.
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