Why you should go
Manchester’s Chinatown, on Faulkner Street, stands as the second-largest enclave of its kind in Britain, rivalled only by London! It’s a great day out in England if you’re here around January-February. It’s also a great event to add if you’re looking for great, free things to do in Manchester.
During Chinese New Year in Manchester’s Chinatown, the streets come alive with a symphony of sights, sounds, and flavours. You can sample loads of authentic Chinese delicacies at the food stalls, see the 175ft dragon come alive, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere as the community comes together to celebrate the dawn of a new year. The best part is you can experience all of this for free, so add this to your travel itinerary for budget travel.
The date of Chinese New Year varies each year, typically falling between January 21 and February 20.
What do the stalls have on offer?
While traditional Chinese food reigns supreme, there are other cuisines too. I found myself drawn to a Korean corndog, a delightful fusion of cheese with a savoury hot dog. Alongside this, I enjoyed spicy Thai grilled chicken and rice. You can expect to pay about £5-£10 for a filling box of food.
Walking further reveals many traditions. One such tradition will invites you to discover your Chinese zodiac sign, determined by the year of your birth. Are you a mouse, a snake, or a dragon? You can dive into Chinese astrology here, offering insights into your personality traits and fortunes for the year ahead.
You can immerse yourself in many other Chinese traditions too, from intricate paper cutting to the beauty of the lantern displays.
What can I see on the Centre Stage?
For those seeking entertainment, you’ll find acrobatics, poetry readings, graceful dancing and kung fu displays on the centre stage. Again, this is completely free to watch.
And the most anticipated event…
One of the most anticipated highlights of Chinese New Year celebrations in Manchester’s Chinatown is the iconic Dragon Parade, an event not to be missed. Prior to the commencement of festivities, it’s essential to research the precise times and route (this varies each year) to ensure you catch every moment of this spectacular procession.
The parade comes to life with the majestic presence of a 175 ft long dragon. It will captivate you (as it did me!) with its vibrant colours and rhythmic movements.
As the procession weaves through the streets, accompanied by traditional ribbon dances, the air is filled with the spirited cheers of onlookers.
The Dragon Parade is a spectacle, a celebration of cultural heritage and community spirit that epitomises the essence of Chinese New Year in Manchester.
See more…
I’ve made some cool shorts about this over on Instagram, YouTube and Tiktok, so simply head over there to see the action!
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