January 29 - Chinese New Year: holiday traditions, where and how to celebrate it

On Wednesday, January 29, the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated. For Russians, the celebration is another opportunity to celebrate the New Year according to the Eastern calendar and get acquainted with the rich culture of the Celestial Empire. About the traditions of the holiday and what events will be held in Moscow and other cities in 2025, tell "Izvestia".

What year is coming on the eastern calendar - 2025

The Chinese New Year falls on different numbers every time. This is due to the fact that China and a number of other Asian countries are oriented to the lunar calendar. Traditionally, the new year comes on the second new moon after the winter solstice. This is usually between January 21 and February 21.

In 2025, the second lunar month will begin on January 29 at 15:36 Moscow time, which marks the beginning of the new year. It will last until February 16, 2026. According to the Chinese calendar it will be the year 4722. It will be held under the patronage of the Green Wood Snake.

It is from Wednesday Russians will be able to congratulate each other with the coming year of the Snake, and not on January 1. In total there are 12 animals in the Chinese horoscope, each of which corresponds to its color and element. These combinations are repeated only once in 60 years. Thus, the previous year of the Green Wood Snake was celebrated in 1965.

Traditions of the Chinese New Year, celebrated on January 29th

First of all, the New Year in China is a family celebration. As in Russia, it is customary to celebrate it at home, setting a large festive table. Among the appetizers there are dishes of national Chinese cuisine: jiaozi (homemade dumplings) niangao (sweet rice cake), shiitake (stewed mushrooms), as well as special "noodles of the New Year". It differs from ordinary noodles by its long length, symbolizing long years of life.

In addition, it is customary to treat each other with tangerines on the holiday. Usually two fruits are given, thus wishing prosperity and wealth in a double amount. This association is due to the fact that the bright orange color is similar to gold coins. Traditionally, the owners of the house treat all the guests with tangerines during the farewell.

As a gift to loved ones, they give hongbao - red envelopes with money. They are often decorated with words of congratulations embossed on paper in large gold script. The amount in the envelope must be even. Most often such gifts are given to children and young spouses.

In the cities at this time are organized fairs, costumed processions and dance numbers with dragons - the main symbol of imperial power. Another spectacular event is the Lantern Festival, which annually attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.

Where to celebrate the Chinese New Year in 2025

In Moscow, the main site of the celebration will be Manezh Square. In the afternoon of January 28, the festival "Chinese New Year in Moscow" will start in the center of the capital. Dragon and Snake procession, various master classes and games are waiting for the guests of the festival. It will also be possible to taste traditional cuisine and buy original souvenirs.

Other festival sites in 2025 include VDNKh, Dream Island amusement park and the Moscow Zoo. In addition, on the occasion of the Chinese New Year, the city's central streets will be decorated.

The city-wide festival "Chinese New Year - Merry Spring Festival" will be held in the Northern Capital at this time. It will last from January 25 to February 20. The event will include thematic lectures, book exhibitions, Chinese language conversation clubs and quizzes devoted to Chinese culture.

The Chinese New Year will also be celebrated in Kazan. From January 20 to February 2, the National Museum will organize a thematic excursion "Chinese Collections of Russian Museums", a quest-game "Dragon Pearl" and a concert "Dedicated to the Chinese New Year" with the participation of students of the Kazan State Conservatory. Similar events will be held in many other Russian cities.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the first large-scale celebration of the Chinese New Year, which took place in the Russian capital within the framework of the Years of Culture between China and Russia.