HAPPENING 29 Jan–12 Feb 2025 | In Rotterdam, Chinese New Year is typically heralded with all kinds of activities in the city centre. Expect the awakening of the lion, fireworks, culinary tours, Chinese calligraphy, face painting, delicious food stands and traditional dances.
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year (also referred to as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival) marks the start of a new year on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. Unlike the Gregorian New Year, Chinese New Year begins on the day of the new moon that falls between 21 January and 20 February. The celebrations last for 15 days and conclude with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar year, which coincides with the first full moon.
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Rotterdam
In 2025, the official celebrations are scheduled from 29 January to 12 February, with key events planned on specific dates. On Saturday, 8 February, a street celebration will take place around West-Kruiskade, known for its vibrant Asian community and businesses. On this date, the “awakening of the dragon” also takes place, at Wijkpark Oude Westen.
The “awakening of the dragon” (in Chinese culture, known as 点睛仪式, diǎn jīng yí shì, or “eye-dotting ceremony”) is a traditional ritual performed to “bring life” to the dragon used in dragon dances. This ceremony symbolises the dragon awakening and being imbued with power, good fortune, and protection for the community.
The following day, Sunday, 9 February, festivities will move to Katendrecht, an area with historical ties to the Chinese community in Rotterdam.
Chinese New Year in Rotterdam 📷 https://rcny.nl
Cultural significance and activities
Each year, the Rotterdam Chinese New Year (RCNY) highlights a specific zodiac animal from the Chinese zodiac (Chinees sterrenbeeld). In 2025, the focus is on the Snake, associated with qualities such as wisdom, knowledge, and creativity. As part of the celebrations, various artists will transform snake sculptures into unique artworks, which will be displayed throughout the city during the festival period.
Historical context
The Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a significant traditional holiday celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide. It marks the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar and is associated with various customs and rituals intended to bring good fortune and ward off misfortune. In Rotterdam, these celebrations serve to honour the cultural heritage of the Chinese community and promote cultural exchange within the city's diverse population.
What to do at Rotterdam Chinese New Year?
For visitors to the event, there is plenty to do and Chinese culture to be experienced in Wijkpark Oude Westen. You can have your name translated and written in traditional Chinese calligraphy (and take it home with you). You can also get something tasty at the various food stands. Moreover, there are culinary tours, there's dancing, kids can get their faces painted and to top it all off, the celebration ends with a professional fireworks display. For more information, visit the official Rotterdam Chinese New Year website.
Directions to Wijkpark Oude Westen
_large.png)
_large.jpg)
