Chinese New Year (Dublin Lunar New Year) 2024

Chinese New Year in Dublin is a massive two-week festival featuring dance, film, talks, music, and sports activities. Initiated by the Dublin City Council, the festival engages all communities that celebrate the Lunar New Year (China, South Korea, North Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei).

Celebrations feature Chinese opera and singing, Korean drumming, Tai Chi, karaoke contests, Mongolian throat singing, culinary tastings, healing Qi Gong demonstrations, arts and crafts. The most popular performances of the festival are, of course, dragon parades and lion dances, which traditionally mark the arrival of the Lunar New Year.

Many cultural events take place at the Dublin's Convention Center. With its vibrant carnival atmosphere, the center features dragon and lion dancers and plenty of traditional decor. The Spring Festival Fair takes place at the CHQ Building, where visitors can try out Chinese chess, calligraphy, martial arts, and musical instruments. Besides, tons of delicious Chinese food and drinks are available at the food stalls. Some events take place at Meeting House Square and other locations.

The Dublin Chinese New Year Festival attracts about 16,000 people every year and helps deepen the Sino-Irish ties. It has been held since the early 2000s.