The Amsterdam's Chinatown meets the Lunar New Year with traditional dances, colorful fireworks, and great Asian food. The celebration usually takes place on Friday and Saturday which is the closest to the date of the New Year around Nieuwmarkt (the Chinatown of Amsterdam) and on Dam Square in the center of Amsterdam.
Lion and Dragon Dance Parade (February 10, 2024)
The Lion and Dragon Dance Parade starts at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple on Zeedijk at around 1 pm. Fo Guang Shan usually has a whole cultural program of New Year activities. The parade route goes along the Geldersekade to Nieuwmarkt, where a street party follows the parade. Expect to hear lots of noise from drums, firecrackers, and fireworks.
Festive dining
Asian restaurants in the neighbourhood offer lots of special menus with traditional dishes like whole fish and dumplings. You can try a meal at the Sea Palace floating restaurant or one of the joints at Stormsteeg or Geldersekade. A raw fish (yu sheng) is supposed to bring luck while lettuce and fai-hai salad (seaweed) brings prosperity.
CNY at Cinetol (February 4, 17, 2024)
An alternative Chinese New Year celebration is annually hosted by Cinetol, a cultural center in Amsterdam. The festivities feature Asian folk celebrations, including traditional singing, dancing, and foods. In addition, the lineup has performers in other genres, such as bass music, electronic, wave, Indie, or Reverb-pop. The tickets at the door will cost ten euros. More info is available by the link in the External Resources below.
