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Chinese New Year Festively Celebrated in Antwerp

Events

Antwerp colored red and gold last Saturday, Feb. 1, during the exuberant celebration of the Chinese New Year. The Year of the Dragon gave way to the Year of the Snake, which was traditionally celebrated with impressive lion dances, blazing fireworks and an atmospheric market on the De Coninckplein. Hundreds of visitors descended on the city to be part of this colorful and festive tradition.

More than a thousand visitors flock to Chinatown in Antwerp (Belgium)
More than a thousand visitors flock to Chinatown in Antwerp (Belgium)
@Verschueren Eddy

Admittedly, for me, it was the first time I experienced the festivities surrounding Chinese New Year in the cookie city. I totally did not expect the crowds to be there. What an exuberant atmosphere!

A Century-old Tradition

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China and other East Asian countries. It marks the start of the new lunar year and falls annually between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. In Antwerp, home to a significant Chinese community, this festival is invariably celebrated lavishly.

Dragons symbolize strength and authority, 
but they also bring prosperity and good fortune
Dragons symbolize strength and authority,
but they also bring prosperity and good fortune
@Verschueren Eddy

Lion dances and Congratulations

The festivities in Antwerp began at 1 p.m. on De Coninckplein, where the Choi Lee Fat Belgium Kungfu Lion and Dragon Dance Association performed the famous Lion and Dragon Dance. Accompanied by drum rolls and crackling fireworks, the lions moved through Van Wesenbekestraat, the beating heart of Chinatown. Following tradition, they visited Chinese stores, where they sniffed and danced to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity.
Continue reading below the photos

Lion dance in the 'Year of the Snake' in Chinatown Antwerp Belgium
Lion dance in the ‘Year of the Snake’ in Chinatown Antwerp Belgium
@Verschueren Eddy
Chinese traditions at celebrations Chinese New Year the Year of the Snake
Chinese traditions at celebrations Chinese New Year the Year of the Snake
@Verschueren Eddy

At each shopkeeper’s store, the lion ate a head of lettuce, a symbolic ritual in which the leaves were spat out in the store to spread fortune. Attached to the lettuce in each case was a red envelope containing money, a traditional Chinese gift symbolizing prosperity and success.

Lively Market and Authentic Atmosphere

In addition to the parade, there was a lively market in De Coninck Square from noon to 6 p.m. Visitors were able to enjoy authentic Chinese snacks and unique products, making for a true feast for the senses. The stalls offered a wide range of delicacies, from steamed dumplings to sweet mooncakes, and brought to life the atmosphere of a traditional Chinese market.

Symbolism and Fireworks

The Chinese New Year is full of symbolism and traditions. The Lion Dance has its origins in an ancient legend in which villagers drove out a beast that was eating their food. They did this with a lot of noise, fireworks and the color red, which symbolizes good luck and protection in Chinese culture. This ritual is repeated annually to expel negative energies and start the new year with a clean slate.

Chinese New Year celebrations lavish in Antwerp
In the photo the Choi Lee Fat Belgium Kungfu Lion and Dragon Dance Association
Chinese New Year celebrations lavish in Antwerp
In the photo the Choi Lee Fat Belgium Kungfu Lion and Dragon Dance Association
@Verschueren Eddy

Antwerp as Multicultural Festival City

The celebration of Chinese New Year in Antwerp reaffirmed the city’s cultural diversity. Visitors from all backgrounds came together to experience this special tradition. The combination of music, dance, market stalls and festive decorations made the event an unforgettable experience. With the arrival of the Year of the Snake, we look back on an atmospheric and successful celebration. Hopefully this new year will bring happiness, prosperity and harmony to all!

Have you been there? Share your experiences in the comments!

Video Verschueren Eddy (Traveltopper)