Islanders Welcome The Year Of The Dragon

Jersey is celebrating bringing in the Lunar New Year with an abundance of events again.

The two-week festival, which originated in China, starts its global celebrations today (Saturday, 10 February), and billions of people will be celebrating, including those a little closer to home.

People born in 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012 belong to the Year of the Dragon, which is the fifth in the Chinese Zodiac and is believed to be the mightiest and most auspicious sign.

The Government of Jersey launched the festivities in 2023 for the Year of the Rabbit, which was a giant success with islanders wanting to explore Asian culture.

Jersey has numerous classes and experiences for people to join to observe historic traditions.

Credit: Government of Jersey

Dragon and Lion dancers are taking to the streets of St Helier this weekend to launch the celebrations, travelling to the Central Market at noon on Sunday (11 February).

French Lane, by the Market entrance, will be loaded with pop-up food stalls, and the Market will be open until 4:00 pm with free kids' activities and face painting.

Also tomorrow, islanders can enjoy a Tai Chi class at 10:00 am and a Kung Fu session at 1:15 am.

Credit: Government of Jersey

The Museum is hosting a Pu'er Tea tasting exhibition until 24 February, and islanders will also get a sweet treat on the side in the form of a custard bao (a fluffy steamed bread bun).

Visitors will learn about tea culture in Asia, mountain tea plantations and tea leaf processing in the sessions.

The Tasty Asia Food and Artisan Market is back in 2024 on 18 February so islanders can indulge in Jersey's local food scene, and buy produce at the second pop-up event of the celebrations.

Credit: Government of Jersey

A Wood Dragon laser cutting workshop is being held at Jersey Library on 16 February because 2024 marks the Year of the Wood Dragon.

Each Chinese Zodiac belongs to one of five elements: water, earth, fire, wood or metal, commonly known as golden.

In the session, islanders aged eight and above can decorate a little keepsake from the festival in the Children's Library.

Later on in the festival, there is a Children's Art Workshop with Kelly Eastwood on 24 February at the Library from 10:00 am.

Young islanders can craft their own Dragon masks in the two-hour drop-in session.

Credit: Government of Jersey

Meanwhile, at the Freedom Centre, on Moneypenny Lane and Bath Street, there will be an Inner Mongolia Performance Troupe on 17 and 18 February.

The group of 26 performers will host a 90-minute cultural song and dance event alongside instrumental music and craftsmanship, which is free to watch.

On the 19 February, they will visit schools around the island.