Published on:
10
January 2011
Clackmannanshire Council and the Central Scotland Chinese Association are working in partnership to celebrate this year's Chinese New Year.
The event takes place at Alloa Town Hall on 7th February and will include a traditional lion dance outside the Town Hall as well as the lighting of a firecracker to create a festive mood.
Around 200 people from across Forth Valley will have bought a ticket to attend the celebrations which start with Provost Derek Stewart setting off the firecracker at 5.30pm.
Speakers at the reception include Provost Stewart, Mr Lee Lui On, chairman of the Central Scotland Chinese Association and Madam Tan Xiutian, Consul General of China.
The celebration - which marks the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit - will also feature a performance by the Glasgow Hon Lok Lion Dance Troupe.
Mr Lee Lui On, chairman of the Central Scotland Chinese Association, said: "The year of the
Rabbit is a placid year much needed after the ferocious year of the Tiger. I would like to thank Clackmannanshire Council for jointly hosting this auspicious event in Alloa. I wish everyone a Very Happy New Year, Good Luck and Good Health."
Provost Derek Stewart said: "I am delighted that Clackmannanshire is able to accommodate this event again - the last time was 1996, year of the Rat - and I look forward to welcoming representatives from the Chinese community at a time when they are honouring their traditional New Year celebrations."
The Chinese New Year is based on the Lunar Calendar. The Year of the Rabbit marks the fourth year of the 12-year zodiac cycle. In the early 20th century, the Chinese adopted the western calendar. However, the Chinese community throughout the globe today still holds festivals and celebrations in accordance with the traditional Chinese Lunar Calendar.