Tens of thousands of people watch colorful dragons dance like snakes through the streets of London, Manchester and Newcastle to mark Year of the Dragon

Tens of thousands of people gathered in London, Manchester and Newcastle today to watch colorful dragons meander through the streets in celebration of Lunar New Year.

A traditional parade, complete with dragons, circling dancers and handmade floats, kicked off a whirlwind of events in central London and its Chinatown neighbourhood.

Attendees will be treated to family-friendly activities in the city’s Chinatown, with elaborate costumes, eye-popping lion dances, Chinese performers, food stalls, and even Chinese arts and crafts. I was treated with brilliance.

Dignitaries from London and the Chinese community, including Mayor Sadiq Khan, joined thousands of well-wishers in Trafalgar Square to watch the opening ceremony, which included the “awakening” of colorfully costumed lions.

The Year of the Dragon is considered one of the most powerful and auspicious years in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, good fortune, and success.

Organizers said more than 500,000 people were expected to enjoy the celebrations that day.

Cities across the UK were bursting with color this weekend as traditional lion dances welcomed Lunar New Year.

Lunar New Year is celebrated each year with dancing by the Chinese diaspora in London’s Chinatown district, drawing thousands of tourists and Londoners to Soho.

Today’s festivities included jumping acrobats in elaborate dragon costumes, music and a dramatic electric firecracker display.

Lucky children were also seen clutching toy dragons and gold balloons, and many visitors were given red packages in the shape of red envelopes as symbols of good luck.

Each year, the British capital hosts the world’s largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside of Asia.

“This is very important to us,” said Peter Yick Quyen Lam, chairman of the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA), which organized the festival to mark the Year of the Dragon. Chinese New Year is similar to Christmas.

“This is a very special event for the Chinese community and an opportunity for us to have a good cultural exchange.

“Everyone can share the joy. It’s a chance to celebrate.

He added, “Today is a special day to come together.”

“It’s all red because red is the color of good luck. It’s all red and gold.”

“I hope it brings you happiness and the start of a prosperous new year.” Peace and happiness are especially important. ”

The Year of the Dragon is considered one of the most powerful and auspicious years in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, good fortune, and success.

According to the LCCA, the theme of the 2024 celebration is “Roaring for Sustainable Prosperity and Youth Empowerment”.

Mr Khan praised the contributions of Chinese Londoners and warned against those who would “try to divide and discourage”.

“Thank you for your contribution to our city culturally, economically and socially,” he said in a speech to revelers in Trafalgar Square.

He added: “There are people who seek to divide our community.

“We can’t let them succeed. We have to show them that diversity is a strength.

“This year of the Dragon means prosperity, good fortune, and fortune. And isn’t this the only year of all we need?”