Dragons on the Streets of Moscow—What to Do This Lunar New Year

mos.ru

From February 9–18, Moscow is hosting a range of events dedicated to Lunar New Year and the upcoming Year of the Dragon. 

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is the beginning of the year according to the lunar calendar. It is a major holiday, particularly in Asia, and is marked with a wide range of traditions in various countries. In fact, Russia has already adopted some of these traditions, such as associating each year with one of the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac and paying tribute to this animal throughout the year.

Lunar New Year in Moscow

Those who would like to celebrate Lunar New Year in Moscow can visit colourful shows, food fairs, and light performances, as well as learn to cook traditional Chinese dishes and discover other eastern customs. The streets of Moscow will be full of events in honour of the occasion.

Kamergersky Lane

The festivities kick off on February 9 on Kamergersky Lane. Visitors can watch performances by Chinese groups and sample traditional dishes at the food fair. 

Tverskoy Boulevard

This will be a great location for taking memorable photos against the picturesque backdrop of a red-and-gold tunnel and arches shaped like cherry blossoms and dragons.

Tverskaya Square

Visitors to Tverskaya Square will be able to try traditional Lunar New Year foods and buy souvenirs, such as Chinese tea and dragon figures. Guests can also take calligraphy lessons and learn the story and secrets of the tea ceremony.

New Arbat 

During the festival, you can learn to play Go—a popular board game in China, Korea and Japan—on New Arbat. This game is appreciated because it develops logic and teaches strategic thinking.

VDNH

Russia’s main exhibition centre is also holding events to mark Lunar New Year. 

On February 10 from 1 pm to 6 pm, there will be a free performance by artists in traditional costumes beside the Sun of Moscow.

An 18-metre dragon will be carried throughout the square. Visitors will have the chance to take a photo with the dragon, participate in a quiz on Lunar New Year traditions, watch a drum show, take part in a flash mob of red Chinese lanterns, and admire a colourful light show.

Pavilion 22 will also host a photo exhibition on China. 

The ‘Russia’ exhibition is also currently taking place at VDNH, so you can visit it while you are there.

Text by Polina Sukhacheva