Chinese New Year 2016 Outside China: London, New York, Sydney, and Paris to Celebrate Year of Monkey in Style

The Chinese New Year 2016 is on Feb. 8.
This Feb. 8, the world celebrates the Chinese New Year and in line with the upcoming Year of the Monkey, the following are the traditions in other parts of the globe. Twitter/@WhatsOnBrum

The Chinese New Year is now upon us. Here is a roundup of how the most colorful cities in the world plan to celebrate the special day.

While it is called the Chinese New Year, this does not mean celebration is confined to China. Many cities all over the world, home to many Asians as well, have also prepared something to usher in the Year of the Monkey, Newsweek reports. London, New York, Sydney, and Paris plan to lavishly welcome the Lunar New Year. 

London

It seems that the British capital plans to host the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside of China. The plans include having a parade from Trafalgar Square to Chinatown. The parade will include colorful dragon dances and martial arts. Asians in London, or others who are just interested to join the festivities can also head to Chiswick House & Gardens for the Magical Lantern Festival, which is already currently running. The festival is presenting beautifully sculpted lanterns for all to see and savor from February 3 to March 6.

New York

New York is holding its own. Finally recognizing that the city is composed of a huge Asian population, Mayor Bill de Blasio marked the Lunar New Year as a school holiday. This is the first time in the city's history. Festivities include a Firecracker ceremony at Sara D. Roosevelt Park, a Lunar Parade at the streets of Lower Manhattan, and fireworks at the Hudson River. 

Sydney 

Sydney plans to welcome the Chinese New Year with its Lunar Lanterns. Twelve big and colorful lanterns will be installed across the city, trailing across the Sydney Harbor, the central business district, and then Chinatown.

Interestingly, the lanterns are not just ordinary ones. They also represent each of the Chinese zodiac signs. Organizers have already announced that everyone will be delighted and amazed by the lanterns.

Paris 

Paris will welcome the Chinese New Year with a grand parade, which will again take place at the 13th arrondissement. The parade starts at the Avenue D'Ivry and ends at the south-central Paris. 

The parade, always such a sight to behold and an experience to cherish, will feature different dancers, dragons, and drummers. 

Asian Americans reportedly celebrate Chinese New Year less because of traditional, superstitious beliefs, but because it is something that reinforces their identities. They also feel that their identities need to be respected and enriched. "There's a surge of confidence and pride in Asian American culture right now," said Minji Chang, executive director of Kollaboration, an Asian entertainment collective and talent show told LA Times. "We're not just standing around learning lion dancing. We're pursuing our own art and creating our own stuff."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.