[mks_dropcap style=”letter” size=”48″ bg_color=”#ffffff” txt_color=”#000000″]F[/mks_dropcap]ebruary 16th 2018 marks the end of the year of the chicken and beginning of the year of the dog according to the lunar calendar of several Asian countries such as China, Korea and Vietnam. This is typically considered to be the first day of spring, the celebration can last up to a week and is, mostly, a time reserved for family gatherings and prayers for the new year. bakırköy eskort The color red can be seen on decorations because it signifies good fortune, happiness and wealth.

Every year, Lunar New Year gets celebrated in many cities in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, Chinatown is known for the parade that takes place on the Saturday nearest to Lunar New Year. The celebration takes place in the Nieuwmarkt-Zeedijk neighborhood. The avcılar eskort parade starts at the Fo Guan Shan Buddhist Temple on Zeedijk. Here, you’ll find traditional dragon dances and some firecrackers being set off along the way.

For me as an international student, being able to experience a piece of the culture I was raised in, is an absolute pleasure. At times like these, where it’s the time of year that families gather due to holidays, one can feel homesick. However, having a little bit of home right here in just a few minutes cycling from campus due to the celebrations of the lunar new year, my homesickness is much less severe.

For whomever didn’t get the chance to watch the parade, şirinevler eskort Chinatown has got a Chinese Buddhist temple and a lot of Asian restaurants and supermarkets to check out to get a taste of some Eastern flavors. I would like to conclude by wishing everyone a new year full of joy and good fortune!

Photos: Linh Dinh / Final Editor: Iris Ausems