Dublin Chinese New Year Festival- Celebrate in Style
Year of the Dog
2018 is the Year of the Dog, and in Dublin Chinese New Year will be celebrated from February 16th to March 4th. With a diverse range of events taking place all over the city there is sure to be something to catch your eye. We have lots of events listed on InspireMe.ie. Or for a full list of events check the website for Dublin Chinese New Year. Below are just some of the highlights.
Theatrical Delights
Chinese festivals usually involve an element of theatre. So where better to head than the Spring Festival Gala in the Convention Centre on Sat 17th. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the warrior monks from the Songshan Shaolin Temple. Also performing theatrical delights is the Zhengzhou Song and Dance Theatre in an evening dedicated to Chinese music, dance and theatre. If you prefer more interactive celebrations the Hill Street Family Festival has a packed day of activities. There will be music, dance, tai chi, origami, shadow puppetry, a traditional umbrella dance and lots more. And best of all, the children can join in the parade of zodiac animals. This is guaranteed to be an experience they will never forget.
Family Friendly Events
There are lots of activities for children of all ages throughout the festival. For older teenagers (age 12-17), the Chester Beatty Library will have a Scroll Making Workshop on Friday 16th. Your artistic offspring can participate in creating a giant scroll featuring playful puppies and pooches, to kick off the celebrations. For smaller children there is a screening of Rock Dog in the Light House Cinema. This beautiful Chinese/ Korean animated movie about the rock ‘n roll adventures of Bodi, the Tibetan Mastiff is sure to enchant. Are you an artistic family? Why not head to Collins Barracks instead on Fri 16th Feb for a free Family Workshop. All art materials are provided – canine masterpieces will be expected. Or make your very own fancy dress outfit at the Dog Costume Workshop on Sat 17th in the Tara Building.
Dancing, Music and Dogs
Sunday 18th sees the fun move to Meeting House Square in Temple Bar. All are invited to join in the Chinese tradition of Square dancing – dancing in a public place, exercising to music. In the CHQ building on 24th – 25th Feb the Spring Festival Fair will have two days of free family-friendly canine-themed entertainment based on traditional Chinese Temple fairs. Expect music, martial arts demos, food, Chinese chess, arts and crafts and lots more.
Art, Comics and Tai Chi
Aspiring artists of all abilities should head to A4 Sounds for a Dog Life Drawing Class on Thurs 22nd Feb. Perhaps animation and comics are more your style? There is a Manhua Comic Workshop on Sat 21st in the Tara building, with three sessions suitable for 4-12 year-olds, 12-17 years and adults. Or if you have older children with energy to burn, why not sign them up for a Tai Chi workshop in the Chester Beatty Library.
Food, Glorious Food
If it’s the amazing and diverse food of China that intrigues you then why not make time to attend some of the food-related events. On Friday 16th Feb it’s Dumpling Day in the Asia Market in Georges St. Under an expert eye you will learn to make, wrap and eat your very own traditional Chinese Dumplings. And on Sat 17th and Sun 18th there will be a Food Extravaganza. You will be introduced to the incredible tastes of Chinese foods, sweet treats, flavoured oils and spices, exotic fruits and so much more. Free for all the family, this is an absolute must for anyone in the city centre at the weekend.
Looking for a guilt-free alternative? Why not try the Asian Flavours on a Lazy Bike Tour on Sat 17th or Sat 24th . You can take a cycling tour of Temple Bar and beyond, learning about (and tasting) the place of Chinese food in Dublin. There will be a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony in the National Gallery of Ireland on Thurs 22nd. And on the same day, an intriguing lecture on Chinese cuisine, entitled From the Paddy Field to the Palate in the Synge Theatre.
Lots of Laughs
The International Comedy Club will be playing host to Chinese Comedian Ken Cheng on Friday 2nd March. Following on from his successful performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this promises to be a real treat for comedy lovers.
This is just a small selection of the many varied events taking place across the city to celebrate Chinese New Year. Finally, all of these events are correct at the time of publishing. However we recommend you check with the event organiser before you travel. We have lots of more on InspireMe.ie. Sign up here and save your favorites.
