The Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Billions of Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Dragon from February 10 to 25. There is also plenty to do in the centre of Rotterdam.
Expect a dazzling programme full of parades, decorations, art and much more.
To bless the new year for Rotterdam entrepreneurs, the lion and dragon dancers will take to the streets on February 17. This ceremony, which sometimes involves some fireworks to combat evil spirits, brings prosperity and happiness!
Do you want to see the lion dance? Below is the complete route with times where you can spot the dancers.
12.00: Depot Boijmans van Beuningen
12.30: Maritime museum
12.30 - 13.00: Mauritsweg
13:00 – 14:30: Lijnbaan via Koopgoot to Markthal and Shanghai Papa
13:50 - 17:00: From 1e Middellandstraat (Coffeeshop Belamy) to the beginning of West-Kruiskade (Wah Nam Hong).
17:00 – 18:00: Kruisplein and Westersingel towards Holland Casino Weena
On February 18, a lion dance performance will take place in Katendrecht. Check out the website for the full route!
This year the most beautiful flags will once again be fluttering in the wind on the Maas. From February 4 to 25, the flags can be viewed at the Boompjes, with the Rotterdam skyline as a background backdrop.
Deeply rooted in Chinese culture, even deeper than here, are fireworks. During Chinese New Year, evil spirits must be driven away. This is done by dancing but especially by making a lot of noise. Fireworks cannot therefore be forgotten during Chinese New Year.
The fireworks show will take place on Sunday February 18 at the Kop van Zuid. From 6 PM the decorative fireworks will explode into the sky on the quay in front of Hotel New York. Entrance is free!
Of course there is much more to experience during Chinese New Year in Rotterdam. Curious about the entire programme full of tours, workshops, markets and art? Then visit the Chinese New Year website via the button below!