Lunar New Year marks the start of the lunar calendar, celebrated with family reunions, festive meals, and cultural traditions across several countries.
Curious about what countries celebrate Lunar New Year? Explore the vibrant customs and lasting traditions that mark this festive occasion worldwide.
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Lunar New Year is a significant cultural festival celebrated by various countries and communities across Asia and beyond. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. This festive occasion is commonly associated with traditions and customs that vary by region, but it generally involves family reunions, festive meals, and various cultural activities.
In countries such as China, Vietnam, South Korea, and more, Lunar New Year is celebrated with fireworks, parades, dragon dances, and other joyful events. It is also a time to pay respect to ancestors, exchange good wishes, and give red envelopes filled with money as a symbol of luck and prosperity.
Lunar New Year usually falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar. The celebrations often last several days and include specific rituals and foods that are believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead. For many, it is a time for reflection, hope, and community bonding as families come together to usher in the new year.
Lunar New Year Around the World
Places around the world that celebrate Lunar New Year host vibrant events like lion dances in China, Tet festivals in Vietnam, and Seollal rituals in Korea, featuring fireworks and traditional foods.
These countries have their unique traditions and customs associated with the Lunar New Year celebrations.
- China – Known as Spring Festival, it’s the most widely celebrated festival in China.
- Vietnam – Celebrated as Tet Nguyen Dan, it is the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture.
- South Korea – Known as Seollal, it is a major holiday for families to celebrate together.
- Taiwan – Similar to mainland China, the festival includes various traditional customs.
- Singapore – Celebrated by the Chinese community, it includes public festivities and events.
- Malaysia – Various communities, particularly the Chinese, celebrate Lunar New Year with family gatherings.
- Brunei – The Chinese community celebrates with cultural events and family banquets.
- Mongolia – Celebrated as Tsagaan Sar, it marks the Lunar New Year and the coming spring.
- Philippines – Known as Chinese New Year, it’s celebrated particularly in areas with significant Chinese populations.
- Indonesia – Celebrated by the Chinese community as Imlek, it includes various traditional festivities.
Which Countries Celebrate Lunar New Year
When planning to travel for Lunar New Year celebrations, consider booking accommodations early, familiarising yourself with local customs, and researching specific events and festive foods to enhance your experience.
China, Spring Festival Festivities
When visiting China during the Spring Festival, plan for an immersive experience filled with vibrant celebrations, fireworks, and family reunions. Prepare to encounter crowded streets and book accommodations in advance, as many locals return home for the holidays. Familiarise yourself with traditional customs, such as giving red envelopes and enjoying festive foods like dumplings and rice cakes. Be sure to check local travel restrictions or requirements, and consider learning a few Mandarin phrases to enhance your interaction with locals.
Vietnam, Tet Nguyen Dan Celebrations
Celebrating Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnam offers a unique glimpse into local customs and traditions. When planning your trip, prepare for a week-long celebration filled with family gatherings, traditional foods, and various festivities, including flower markets and firework displays. Book your accommodations well in advance, as many Vietnamese people travel home for the holiday. It’s helpful to learn about traditional customs, such as offering food to ancestors and the significance of certain dishes, to truly appreciate the experience.
South Korea, Joyous Seollal Gatherings
Visiting South Korea during Seollal provides a fantastic opportunity to witness the warmth of family gatherings and age-old traditions. Plan your trip around the holiday to experience folk games like Yut Nori and enjoy traditional foods such as tteokguk (rice cake soup). Make sure to book accommodation early, as many locals travel during this time. Familiarise yourself with relevant customs, including paying respects to ancestors through rituals. Knowing a few Korean phrases could also enrich your interactions and experiences.
Taiwan, Lunar New Year Traditions
In Taiwan, the Lunar New Year celebrations are an exciting blend of traditional and modern festivities. To get the most out of your visit, plan to experience parades, fireworks, and lantern festivals that light up the cities. Ensure you secure your accommodations and transport early, as it can be very busy during the holiday. Understanding customs, such as the importance of red decorations and traditional foods like nian gao (sticky rice cake), will enhance your appreciation of the culture.
Singapore, Vibrant Chinatown Events
Celebrating Lunar New Year in Singapore is a dynamic experience, marked by lively street festivities and cultural performances. When visiting, prepare to explore Chinatown, where vibrant decorations and festive markets abound. Book accommodations in advance, as this season attracts many visitors. Engage in local traditions, such as enjoying reunion dinners and visiting temple fairs, and don’t miss the spectacular Chingay Parade. Familiarise yourself with some local customs to fully appreciate the festive spirit.
Malaysia, Multicultural Celebrations
Experiencing Lunar New Year celebrations in Malaysia allows you to enjoy a multicultural atmosphere with a mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences. When planning your trip, look forward to vibrant street festivals, family gatherings, and delicious traditional foods. Secure your lodging ahead of time, as the holiday draws many visitors. Familiarise yourself with the unique customs and let your taste buds explore specialties like pineapple tarts and bak kwa (barbequed meat), which are popular during this festive time.
Brunei, Cultural Family Banquets
In Brunei, Lunar New Year celebrations are cherished by the Chinese community, characterised by family banquets and cultural events. To make the most of your visit, plan to witness colourful dragon and lion dances, and partake in traditional meals. Book accommodations well in advance, as this festive period attracts many visitors. Understanding local customs regarding gifting and festive greetings will enhance your experience and connection with the community.
Mongolia, Tsagaan Sar Customs
Celebrating Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia presents an opportunity to experience local traditions and the welcoming spirit of Mongolian culture. When planning your trip, be prepared for festive family gatherings filled with traditional foods like buuz (steamed dumplings) and milk tea. Secure accommodations ahead of time, especially in Ulaanbaatar, as travel can be busy during this period. Familiarise yourself with the customs surrounding Tsagaan Sar, including visiting elders and exchanging gifts, to enrich your experience.
Philippines, Exciting Chinese New Year
In the Philippines, celebrating Chinese New Year is an exciting mix of local culture and Chinese traditions. Plan to visit areas with significant Chinese populations to experience vibrant parades, dragon dances, and various festivities. Book your accommodations ahead of time, as many locals join in the celebrations. Understanding local customs, such as the significance of certain foods like Tikoy (glutinous rice cake), can deepen your appreciation of the holiday experience in the Philippines.
Indonesia, Festive Imlek Celebrations
Celebrating Imlek in Indonesia gives you a glimpse of the diverse cultural tapestry of the nation. Prepare for festive events, including lantern festivals and family reunions, primarily within Chinese communities. Ensure you book accommodations in advance, as this period draws numerous visitors. Familiarise yourself with local customs and the significance of traditional foods, such as ayam ungkep (tradiitional chicken), to fully immerse yourself in the celebrations and gain a richer experience of Imlek’s vibrant atmosphere.
