Here’s All You Need To Know About Dublin’s Chinese New Year Festival

Alana Laverty

If you appreciate Asian culture and cuisine as much as we do then you’re in for a real treat.

The Year of the Fire Rooster marks the tenth year that the Chinese New Year will be celebrated in Dublin <3 and is going to be the biggest and best yet.

Two packed weeks full of insightful talks, events, fun and flavoursome food, cultural curiosities, thrilling tours and masterful musical performances – it sounds like some serious craic.

Try not to drool while reading about the following events:

1. Cookery Masterclass

When? Sunday, January 29, 10AM until 4PM.

Where? Cooks Academy, South William Street.

How much? €140.

What? Chinese culture influences countless aspects of Dublin life not least of all in the area of food.

This masterclass will be graced by Lauréat of Le Grand Prix de Cuisine de L’Academie, Chef Kwanghi Chan, and award-winning American-Chinese food writer Mei Chin – former Vogue editor and previously of Mirabella, Gourmet and the New York Times.

Both will share secrets of authentic Chinese cooking as they guide participants through the preparation of four traditional dishes.

We’re predicting this as the highlight of the festival.

2. Asian Flavour Lazy Bike Tour

When? Sunday, January 29, 2 until 4PM.

Where? All over.

How much? €25.

What? A visit to different Chinese restaurants sampling a variety of authentic dishes in an exploration of influences and flavours of cosmopolitan Dublin.

3. Concocting the Perfect Hot Pot

When? Thursday, February 2, 6:30 until 8:30PM.

Where? Lao Restaurant, Parnell Street.

How much? €20.

What? Head down to the heart on Dublin’s Chinatown for a crash-course in creating the perfect hot pot <3 – the various styles, flavours and ingredients.

Sounds seriously delicious and the perfect thing for a chilly night.

4. ‘It’s Only Words’ comedy gig

When? Friday, February 3.

Where? The International Bar.

How much? €7.

What? A light-hearted comedy show in Chinese for people who don’t speak Chinese with Louise Reay based on the idea that only 7% of communication is verbal. Even if you don’t speak Chinese you’ll understand it but you won’t know why!

5. The Spring Festival Fair

When? Sunday, February 5, 12 until 5PM.

Where? CHQ Building, North Dock.

What? Rooster-themed entertainment, activities and arts and crafts for all the family.

Try your hand at chess and calligraphy, marvel at the martial arts displays and performances, sample delicious Chinese food and drink on offer including a return of the stunning sugar painting artist. There’s a full schedule of events for children including shadow puppetry, film screenings and even lessons in dragon and lion dancing.

6. Mother River exhibition

When? Saturday, January 28, 12PM.

Where? Gallery of Photography on Meeting House Square

What? Exhibition showcasing work from award-winning photographer, Yan Wang Preston covering a journey of over 6,000km as she captures the majesty of the Yangze River from the snow plains of Tibet to the distant ocean.

Amazing.

7. Film: The First Monday in May

When? Sunday, February 12, 2PM.

Where? Chester Beatty Library

What? Amazing film that takes a behind the scenes look at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s most attendance fashion exhibition, China Through the Looking Glass and preparations for the 2015 Met Gala.

Highly recommended viewing for any fashion lovers.

This list is only a fraction of what will be on throughout the entire festival. To see the events programme in full click here.

“The festival gives us a wonderful opportunity to explore and experience the extraordinary world of Chinese food, music, dance, literature, sport and art here in Dublin. In doing so we can celebrate cultural differences between Ireland and China in fun and interesting ways, while also identifying common values and shared ambitions for the year ahead.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin Brendan Carr

Find out more about the festival here.