Year of the Snake
Contrary to what we might think, the Year of the Snake brings with it wisdom, creativity, adaptability and good luck. This year it is also paired with the element wood, an occurrence that only happens once every 60 years and which has special association with growth, flexibility and compassion.
The Lunar New Year will be celebrated by over 2 billion people worldwide from January 29 to February 2, 2025, as families and friends gather to enjoy traditional foods and pay tribute to their departed loved ones. People will wear red and gold clothing and decorate their homes with these vibrant colors to mark the festive occasion.
It is customary to give gifts at Lunar New Year with popular gifts typically including:
Red envelopes - filled with money, these envelopes symbolise good luck and prosperity
Fruit - Fruit baskets are a common gift, with apples and oranges being especially symbolic.
Red clothes - red symbolising good luck and fortune
The ILAC offers a variety of delicious Eastern cuisines to help you celebrate the New Year. Visit Taste of Hong Kong on Moore Street, Ginzeng in Parnell Mall, Chopsticks in Moore Mall, or Frutea in Central Square where you can enjoy incredible cakes and bubble teas. Choose from dumplings, noodles, duck dishes, mixed rice, soups, and much more.
It's a tradition to wear new clothes on the first day of the Lunar New Year! Enhance your red or gold outfit with coordinating jewellery or accessories to make the celebration even more memorable. We love the wide range of snake-themed rings and bracelets at Lovisa in Central Mall, along with the gold and red bags, red knitwear, and scarves at TKMaxx in Moore Mall. You can also find stylish options at River Island and Mondo in Mary Mall, Catch, Suits You, Gerard, and Diesel in Central Mall, and Rocket in Parnell Mall. .
To decorate your home, visit Lotus Pagoda for the perfect Chinese tea sets, incense and lanterns. Enhance the ambiance with candles from Flying Tiger in the Mary Mall and water-features from Creative Ideas in Central Mall. Nisbets on Moore Street also offers a great selection of catering-quality tableware at affordable prices.
And don't miss the exciting Dublin Lunar New Year festivities happening across the city from Saturday, January 25th January to Sunday, February 2nd 2025. Visit the website and social pages for more information. Join workshops, explore exhibitions, savor food & drinks and enjoy the stunning visual arts. See you there!