European cities join in the celebrations

The London Eye glittered in gold and red. A giant rabbit was installed at Trafalgar Square. Dancers put on dragon and lion costumes, waiting for the drumbeat.

People gathered in lantern-laced Chinatowns across the country.

Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, had come to the United Kingdom.

On Jan 22, tens of thousands of people, in the center of London, celebrated the first day of Lunar New Year. People were able to celebrate again after strict COVID-19 quarantine measures were lifted.

Based on the 12 rotating animals in the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, and as the fortunetellers say those who are born in the Year of the Rabbit tend to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded and ingenious.

At 10 am, people dressed in rabbit costumes led a grand parade of around 50 formations, including festive floats and dragon dance troupes, as they made their way from Charing Cross to the north of the city before turning west onto Shaftesbury Avenue and ending in front of the gate of London Chinatown.