Stay informed about the celebration in Rotterdam
The Year of the Snake is just around the corner, and it should be celebrated! The festivities will last from January 29 to February 12 in 2025. The Chinese New Year kicks off every year at West-Kruiskade, with a flag parade, beautiful decorations, art and more.
In the West we faithfully celebrate New Year's Eve on December 31 every year. We count down together until midnight, toast with friends and family, and light a sparkler while enjoying oliebollen. But this is not the same everywhere in the world. The Chinese New Year, for example, falls on a different date every year. In this article you can read what exactly the Chinese New Year entails and what we can expect from the celebrations in Rotterdam in 2025!
The Chinese New Year is the most important of all traditional Chinese festivals. Its origins date back to the Shang dynasty (1600-1100 BC), a time when gods and ancestors were worshiped around the turn of the year. Over time it grew into a festival in which the old year is said goodbye and the new year is welcomed, similar to the New Year's Eve that we know!
Unlike the Western calendar, the Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar instead of the solar calendar. It falls on the second new moon after the December 21 solstice, making the celebration take place every year sometime between January 21 and February 20.
The Chinese New Year also marks the beginning of spring and is therefore also called the Spring Festival. The renewed life force of the earth is celebrated with music, song and dance. But also with gifts, decorations, delicious food and beautiful clothing.
The Chinese New Year is a family celebration. No matter how far relatives live from each other, they make every effort to get together for the traditional New Year's dinner. The Chinese New Year is also celebrated in the Netherlands, including of course in Rotterdam, where parades, lion dances and fireworks fill the streets with colour.
For the most beautiful decorations during the Chinese New Year in Rotterdam, go to West-Kruiskade, where the Chinese New Year mainly takes place. Think of beautiful lanterns that illuminate the street. Of course, especially in the colour red, because that is the colour of the Chinese New Year.
On February 8, the big street celebration will start on and around the West-Kruiskade, with a great programme for young and old. From 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM the street is car-free and filled with all kinds of stalls. You can enjoy various performances spread over small stages.
One of the highlights is the traditional awakening ceremony, where the lion is called to life. This ceremony represents prosperity. In addition, there are stilt walkers, dragon dancers and musical performances that create a lively atmosphere. There are also fun workshops for children, such as kung fu and ceramics. In short, a day full of parties and activities for everyone!
Another great part of the Chinese New Year in Rotterdam is the Zodiac project. There are 12 zodiacs in total. So every year is dedicated to a different zodiac. In 2025 it is the year of the Snake!
Every year an art project is linked to the zodiac of the year. As soon as more is known about the 2025 project, we will share it here!
Do you also celebrate Chinese New Year in Rotterdam?