Tralee will be hosting The Chinese New Year Festival celebrations this year which kicks off on Friday January 24th with an opening ceremony in the Mall. Traditional Chinese Lanterns will adorn the town centre which will be switched on to the sights and sounds of a traditional Chinese dragon. The Town Square will feature traditional Chinese cooking and dumpling making along with Chinese music and activities.
In Chinese culture the colour red symbolises energy, happiness and good luck. During the festival there will be a Red Envelope Day on Saturday January 25th where gifts and money will be shared in red envelopes.
From January 27th to the 31st primary school children in Tralee will host a series of workshops on the culture and traditions of China. On the first weekend of February, there’ll be a series of events including a Chinese dragon performance in the Town Square, a 1,000 lights ceremony, events in businesses and a Taste of Asia food fair.
This Saturday the 18th of January there will be a Day of Cleaning in the town centre from 1 to 4pm, as in Chinese culture, it’s traditional to clean the dust away to welcome in new things.
So come to Tralee and enjoy a festival with a difference!
This festival has been developed by Tralee Chamber Alliance with support from NEWKD, Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland, the Tralee Chinese community and local businesses.