Prepare yourself for 2 packed weeks of insightful talks, flavoursome food events, cultural curiosities, thrilling tours and masterful musical performances to celebrate the Year of the Fire Rooster!
2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival (DCNYF). Kicking off this Saturday the 28th January and running until the 12th February, DCNYF celebrates diversity and inclusiveness helping to enhance China-Ireland relations and friendship through festive celebrations.
- One of the most popular events on the programme and one that is not to be missed is The Asian Flavour Lazy Bike Tour this Sunday 29thJanuary, which explores Chinese influences and flavours in cosmopolitan Dublin, visiting different Chinese restaurants and sampling authentic Chinese dishes. (Tickets €25, 2-4pm).
- Looking to impress friends and family by serving up a Chinese New Year celebratory feast? Then why not kick off the Chinese New Year celebrations by popping down to the Cooks Academy on Sunday 29th January for a special full – day Cookery Masterclass with Lauréat of Le Grand Prix de Cuisine de L’Academie, Chef Kwanghi Chan, and award-winning American-Chinese food writer Mei Chin. A former editor at Vogue Magazine, Mei has written reviews and essays for Gourmet, Vogue, Mirabella and the New York Times. Both will share secrets of authentic Chinese cooking as they guide participants through the hands-on preparation of four traditional dishes. (Tickets €140, 10am – 4pm)
- Why not challenge friends to a round of table-tennis at the Ping Pong & Chinese Nibbles Night at the newly-opened Buskers on the Ball on Wednesday 1st February. Some top Chinese and Irish players will demonstrate their skills and offer tips on perfecting your ping pong. Delicious Chinese food will be served up on the night to help players replenish energy supplies between the blistering bouts. (Tickets €12, 6.30pm – 9.30pm).
- In more light-hearted matters, a comedy show in Chinese for people who don’t speak Chinese, now there’s a thing! Louise Reay’s ‘It’s Only Words’ show is 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! It’s on in the International Bar on Friday 3rd Feb. (Tickets €7, Doors 6.30pm)
- The family friendly Spring Festival Fair returns this year to the CHQ building for ‘Rooster-themed’ entertainment, activities and arts and crafts for all ages. Come 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. (5th Feb, 12pm-5pm)
- Head down to the heart of Dublin’s Chinatown, where Chinese and Irish Communities come together on Thursday 2nd of February and take part in a crash-course in Concocting the Perfect Hot Pot at Lao Restaurant on Parnell Street. There are many different styles of hot pot, but Chinese people are agreed on one cardinal rule – you don’t “hot pot” with people you don’t like. (Tickets €20, 6.30 – 8.30pm)
- It wouldn’t be a New Year’s celebration if Karaoke wasn’t involved in some way! Lao Restaurant in the heart of Chinatown is hosting a Karaoke and Chinese Bites night on Sunday 5th February. Enjoy an entertaining evening of Karaoke (English and Chinese songs) and some traditional Chinese bites. Karaoke starts at 5pm with food available from 6pm. (Tickets €10)
The full programme of events for the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival 2017 is available onwww.dublinchinesenewyear.com . Join the conversation online at www.facebook.com/DCNYF and www.twitter.com/DCNYF #RiseAndShineDublin #YearoftheRooster #DCNYF
