Rotterdam Chinese New Year heralds the year of the dragon

Saturday 10 February marks the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to Chinese astrology. From that weekend, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated for 15 days with entertainment for young and old during the National Public Celebration in Rotterdam (RCNY). Visitors can expect cultural performances, activities and decorations at various locations around the city.

Two-day celebration

This year, the big street celebration in the weekend of 17 and 18 February will not only take place in the city centre, but also on Katendrecht the organisers will go all out with a multifaceted programme. On the 17th, the activities will take place on and around the West-Kruiskade, while on 18 February Katendrecht will be dominated by the Chinese New Year.

Saturday, February 17: centre

On Saturday 17 February, the West Kruiskade will be the festival site. Festivities will take place all afternoon, including a festive market, musical performances, kung fu workshops for children, exhibitions, dragon dancers and workshops in four stationary trams.

Drums, fireworks and, of course, the lion and dragon dancers traditionally chase away evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity for the new year in the shopping area between West Kruisade and the Market Hall.

Sunday, February 18: Katendrecht

On Sunday 18 February, the celebration descends on Deliplein in Katendrecht. This year, visitors can take part in programming full of new elements. New this edition: a film container in collaboration with the IFFR, an art exhibition, live painting of a dragon and mahjong workshops. There will be a variety of performances and interactive sessions including Tai-chi, breakdance and C-pop. Besides various food stalls, the market on the square is dedicated to art by young makers. For children, there will be kung fu workshops, face painting and a special kid's tent for crafts.

A big lion and dragon dance parade will also take place on Katendrecht, with a big decorative fireworks show on the quay in front of Hotel New York as the spectacular finale.

15 days of celebration

Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days, from 10 to 24 February 2024. During these weeks, Chinese New Year activities will be organised at various locations in Rotterdam. Festivities will take place at the World Museum, the Maritime Museum, Studio de Bakkerij, de Doelen and the Market Hall, among others. The entire Rotterdam Chinese New Year programming can be found on the website www.rcny.nl.