Lunar New Year

Unleash Your Inner Snake: Celebrate Lunar New Year Like a Pro!

Get ready for vibrant celebrations as we dive into the Year of the Snake with feasting, fireworks, and fun across the globe!

As the world welcomes the Year of the Snake in 2025, Lunar New Year celebrations are igniting festivities that showcase a tapestry of culture, family, and flavour. This year, festival ambassador Gonchigkhan Byambaa brings every snake-lover to the forefront in Dublin as he shares insights into the traditions that surround this auspicious occasion. With vibrant activities lined up, you can look forward to a dizzying array of firecrackers, lion dances, and plenty of food that makes the taste buds dance!

From sprawling cities to quaint villages, millions join together in celebration, marking the start of a new lunar cycle. Communities all over Asia and places like Leicester in the UK, are putting on splendid two-day events filled with music, fairs, and the intoxicating aroma of street food. Expect dragon and lion dances weaving through the streets, raising plenty of applause and good luck vibes! And don't forget the red banners – that’s the luck that brings vitality in the Year of the Snake!

The Year of the Snake is rich with symbolism, representing wisdom, vitality, and rebirth. Families gather around tables overflowing with dumplings, rice cakes, and sweets that promise good fortune and prosperity. As one billion people worldwide engage in festive spectacles of fireworks dazzling against the night sky, it’s a reminder of how Lunar New Year embodies the joy of togetherness and honouring traditions. Whether taking part in tranquil temple rituals or lively street parades, every element encourages connection to cultural roots.

This year, take a moment while you're munching on your mooncakes or soaking in the excitement of the lion dance performances to learn about the traditions that make this celebration unique. For example, ashes of incense sticks burned at temples not only carry prayers aloft but also signify respect towards ancestors, a core aspect of the festivities. Also, did you know that each Lunar New Year is celebrated differently across regions? From China to Indonesia, while the core essence remains, local customs add a fabulous twist, making the year of the snake an unforgettable lively affair!