China's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Zheng Zeguang sends his Chinese New Year wishes to all in a speech at Chinese New Year celebrations in Trafalgar Square, London, England, on Sunday. [Photo by Zhang Tianyu/for chinadaily.com.cn]
Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Trafalgar Square, London on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese New Year, making it a festive hub.
The celebration of the start of the Year of the Snake was extra special because Spring Festival was recognized last December by the UNESCO as one of the traditions representing Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
China's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Zheng Zeguang sent his Chinese New Year wishes to all in a speech at the opening ceremony in which he said: "The Chinese New Year celebration is all about renewal, family unity, and prosperity. And this is exactly what we have gathered here for — to celebrate peace, solidarity, friendship, and collaboration. This huge turnout today is a testament to your support for China-UK cooperation, to your aspiration for working together among all countries.
China's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Zheng Zeguang (second from left) and his wife Counsellor Hua Mei (first from left) are pictured with the president of the London Chinatown Chinese Association Deng Zhuting (second from right) and his wife Sue Tang at Chinese New Year celebrations in Trafalgar Square, London, England, on Sunday. [Photo by Yang Chunya/for chinadaily.com.cn]
Letters from the UK's King Charles III, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
"May the new year bring you peace, happiness, and prosperity."
The UK's King Charles III sent a letter to Deng Zhuting, president of the London Chinatown Chinese Association, or LCCA, the organizer of Sunday's gathering, expressing his warmest wishes to all those at the celebration.
In his letter, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer thanked the British Chinese community for its valuable contributions to the nation. "I hope we can all strive for the characteristics of wisdom and determination that embodies those born in the Year of the Snake," he wrote.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said in a letter: "Happy Chinese and Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in London and around the world. The Year of the Snake encourages us to reflect on our lives and look at ourselves and the world with a new perspective."
Debbie Weekes-Bernard, deputy mayor of London, notes the contributions of the Chinese community to the city in an interview with Chinese media after the opening ceremony. [Photo by Zhang Tianyu/for chinadaily.com.cn]
Debbie Weekes-Bernard, deputy mayor of London, noted the contributions of the Chinese community to the city in an interview with Chinese media after the opening ceremony.
"We know that the Chinese community contributes so much to our city economically, culturally, and socially, and has always been an inclusive, welcoming community," she said. "So, to all the people who are here celebrating, we would love to extend our hand of friendship and welcome to you."
Hundreds of thousands of people gather in Trafalgar Square, London on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese New Year, making it a festive hub. [Photo by Yang Chunya/for chinadaily.com.cn]
The annual celebration, which is said to be one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia, included a series of joyful activities, such as dragon and lion dances, cultural performances, food stalls, and games for families.
A lion dance performer on high stilts unveils a banner reading "Happy New Year" during Sunday's Chinese New Year celebration in Trafalgar Square, London. [Photo by Zhu Xueer/for chinadaily.com.cn]
With high-pole lion and dragon dances kicking off the activities, the celebration saw artists from all over China take turns to share with the audience a variety of artistic performances, including Sichuan opera and a presentation of Chinese ethnic costumes.
"I've been to China many times," said William Adlington, a British social media blogger. "But I've never been to China for the Chinese New Year. That should be on my wish list. I may try and do that next year if possible."
People say hello to a lion during the Chinese New Year parade in Trafalgar Square on Sunday. [Photo by Zhu Xueer/for chinadaily.com.cn]
From Trafalgar Square to Chinatown, dragon and lion dances, along with other lively performances, drew a massive crowd, with many spectators interacting with performers and taking photos with them.
"It's really great to see it nearby, from all the dancers, and discover another culture," said Nell Everaets, who was among the spectators.
Two lion dancers showcase their impressive skills on high poles, thrilling the crowd with their daring performance during Chinese New Year celebrations in Trafalgar Square. [Photo by Zhu Xueer/for chinadaily.com.cn]
Since it was launched in 2002, the LCCA's Chinese New Year celebration in London has been held for 23 consecutive years and has become one of the featured events on the official calendar of London, and even the UK government.
Zhu Xueer and Wang Linyan contributed to this story.
Two children wearing lion dance headpieces add to the festive atmosphere during the Chinese New Year celebration in London's Trafalgar Square on Sunday. [Photo by Zhu Xueer/for chinadaily.com.cn]
With every twist and turn, performers bring the dragon to life during the Chinese New Year parade at London's Trafalgar Square on Sunday. [Photo by Zhu Xueer/for chinadaily.com.cn]
A performer representing the God of Wealth hands out "golden coins" to young spectators, spreading good fortune and prosperity during the Chinese New Year parade on Sunday in London's Trafalgar Square. [Photo by Zhu Xueer/for chinadaily.com.cn]
