Preparations are underway for the biggest Chinese New Year Community Celebration to date
Hill Street Family Resource Centre expect thousands to join them in welcoming the Lunar New Year
Dublin, 25th January 2020. The annual Chinese New Year Community Celebration, hosted by Hill Street Family Resource Centre in partnership with the North East Inner City Initiative, takes place today Saturday 25th January from 2pm to 7pm on Hill Street, Dublin 1. A small street off Parnell Street in Dublin’s Inner City will be transformed into a Chinese Wonderland, showcasing the rituals and customs of the Chinese New Year Celebrations, whilst welcoming the Year of the Rat.
With the Rat symbolising a year of new beginnings, strength, prosperity and luck, we welcome all to visit and take part as Hill Street is transformed. Hosting traditional live performances through song and dance from local talent, as well as Chinese workshops and performances, you will feel like you have been transported to the alluring cityscapes of China.
With something for all age groups, take part in an array of activities from Tai Chi, Origami and Calligraphy, while sampling some native cuisine. Test your creative skills by participating in workshops and encourage the local community’s traditional Chinese performers throughout the day cumulating in the famous traditional Lion Dance. Watch the Chinese New Year Community Celebration come alive on Hill Street, Dublin 1.
Michael Stone, Chairperson of the Programme Implementation Board for the North East Inner City (NEIC) initiative said, “With the North East Inner City being home to such a diverse range of cultures, Hill Street Family Resource Centre’s Chinese New Year Community Celebration is a great example of how we, as a society, can learn from, embrace and value diversity and create a sense of belonging for all in our community”
Project Manager for Hill Street Family Resource Centre, Eileen Smith, is delighted to be organising the Chinese New Year Celebration on Hill Street again this year. She said, “Our families have been preparing for this for the past few months, giving their passion and time to ensure that this celebration showcases their Chinese cultural heritage”
Eileen continued, “We believe that it is an important time to celebrate, as well as shine a light on the voluntary work of the local community. This celebration is one example of many as to how our Centre engages with our community. It is a fantastic opportunity for all families to come together to celebrate the rich diversity of people now living in the North East Inner City.”
The celebration is led by a group of Chinese parents who live locally, and it has grown organically since it started in 2014. All are welcome to take part in this important festive and cultural celebration. This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate inclusion and diversity as we say goodbye to the Year of the Pig and hello to the Year of the Rat!
The event is funded by the Government under the North East Inner City Initiative as part of its annual programme of community events, and is supported by Dublin City Council.
Hill Street Family Resource Centre is based in Hill Street Playground, Hill Street, Dublin 1.
