Chinese New Year Celebration at Brightwater

In celebration of the Chinese New Year, South Africa's Department of Arts and Culture will be hosting a traditional Chinese New Year celebration in conjunction with the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese community. The celebration will take place at The Brightwater Commons on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd February from 12 noon to 8pm each day.

An exciting entertainment programme will include two lion and dragon dancing shows each day; as well as two Chinese martial arts demonstrations, performances by local Chinese artists, and Chinese acrobatics. Each day will culminate with a performance by the Chinese Arts Troupe - all the way from China.

As no celebration is complete without food, visitors can also enjoy a variety of delicious traditional dishes, including favourites such as 'dim-sum', spring rolls, fried 'won-ton', and steamed dumplings amongst others from the food stalls present. Exhibitions at the event will include Chinese health and beauty products, paintings, crafts and gifts, and Chinese medicine, to name a few.

The event will allow community members to honour and enjoy the most important traditional festival, whilst providing a unique opportunity for westerners to experience a true and 'undiluted' taste of Chinese culture.

The Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is celebrated by families throughout China. It is regarded as a time of reunion and thanksgiving. The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honour of the heaven and earth, gods of the household, and ancestors.

Customary practices include the placing of red paper with propitious words on the doors and windows of homes, and preparation of special foods. Celebratory activities today, include temple fairs and folk art performances such as lion and dragon dancing.

For more information regarding the Chinese New Year celebrations, contact The Brightwater Commons on 011 789 5052

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