Friday, January 20, 2012

The Year of the Dragon: Chinese New Year 2012

Chinese New Year Dragon e1326894839118 The Year of the Dragon: Chinese New Year 2012

Get ready for the Chinese New Year on Monday 23 January 2012.?According?to the Chinese Zodiac 2012 sees the turn of the Dragon to mark the next 366 days.?The transition will be celebrated with parades, fireworks, lanterns, dragons, firecrackers, marching bands and a palpable spike in pet shop rabbit sales across the globe.

The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend and is the only character in the Chinese Zodiac that?s not a real animal. The Oriental dragon is a symbol of good fortune and intense power. It?s predicted the dragon will bring money for 2012 and anyone born in the Year of the Dragon is to be honored and respected.

At HostelBookers, we can really only see one solution to this predicted fizzle? host a Chinese New Year celebration that will provide just enough spark to light up the next twelve months.

And so, while we?re stuffing our faces with Chinese food in the office, here?s how the rest of the globe will be celebrating the dragon?s arrival?

London

London?s Chinese New Year celebrations are the biggest in the world outside of China! While events take place throughout the city, make sure you book your London hostel and head to Chinatown for the requisite dose of dim sum.

London Oxford St1 e1296050095725 The Year of the Dragon: Chinese New Year 2012

New York

Bring on the floats, marching bands and dragon dances galore! More than 5000 people will march in New York City?s 13th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival.

New York Chinese on float e1296050297471 The Year of the Dragon: Chinese New Year 2012

Malaysia

As home to the oldest Chinese community in Malaysia, Penang is a great place to welcome in the New Year! With light-footed lion dances, firecrackers and an excess of lanterns, expect the parties to continue for up to two weeks or more. Book your hostels in Penang now.

Malaysia Penang Lanterns e1296053694578 The Year of the Dragon: Chinese New Year 2012

Paris

Head direct to the heart of Chinatown for your dose of dragons dumplings in bon Paris. Expect a colourful parade featuring giant serpents, firecrackers, music, dancing and marching bands.

Paris Chinese Army Band e1296055138867 The Year of the Dragon: Chinese New Year 2012

San Francisco

Chinese New Year in San Fran means everything from a Flower Market Fair to a Chinatown Run, a Miss Chinatown Pageant and the famous Parade. Book your San Francisco hostels, and watch out for the dragon ? it?s over 200 feet long and always features as the grand finale!

San Fran Dragon e1296055306404 The Year of the Dragon: Chinese New Year 2012

Washington

Book a Washington hostel and mark your calendar for the Chinese New Year Parade held on February 6th. Expect traditional dragon dances, Kung Fu Demonstrations, live musical entertainment?and some unique human-size bunny rabbits.

Washington Animals e1296055523607 The Year of the Dragon: Chinese New Year 2012

Sydney

There?s not much that can rival the Chinese New Year celebrations in Sydney. Think traditional dragon boat races, oriental markets, workshops, entertainment and a New Years Twilight Parade from Sydney Town Hall to Chinatown!

Sydney Pink Backs e1296055824916 The Year of the Dragon: Chinese New Year 2012

Hong Kong

The Hong Kong skyline will be cluttered with lanterns throughout the Chinese New Year celebrations. Head to Tsim Sha Tsui East on New Year?s Day for a calvacade of decorated floats, dragon dancers, street entertainers and performers from all over the world.

Hong Kong Lantern Festival Skyline e1296055981678 The Year of the Dragon: Chinese New Year 2012

Shanghai

Did someone say? COLOUR?! Shanghai explodes with vibrant light displays during Chinese New Year! A plethora of lantern shows, dragon dances, outdoor bazaars and incessant firework displays will culminate with the Lantern Festival on 6th February. Book your Shanghai hostel now and watch it first hand.

Shanghai Chinatown Colours e1296056145728 The Year of the Dragon: Chinese New Year 2012

And then, of course, there?s the remains? paper from A LOT of used fire crackers in Shanghai?

Shanghai Aftermath e1296056200910 The Year of the Dragon: Chinese New Year 2012

Thanks to Paolo Camera, Christopher Chan, harezou, lloydi, th.omas, kryptos 5, davidyuweb, Ted Drake, vpickering, Dicktay2000, fras1977, triplefivedrew and 2 dogs for the images off flickr.

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