Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Inverness and what the year of the snake means
Chinese Lunar New Year is fast approaching and there will be a big celebration taking place on January 27 in Inverness.
Scottish Highlands & Islands and Moray Chinese Association (SHIMCA) is pulling out all the stops for the year of the snake — including hosting a prestigious meal at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness.
Although Chinese New Year officially falls on January 29, the north of Scotland’s celebrations will take place on Monday 27 to allow more people to come along.
SHIMCA chairperson Monica Lee-Macpherson said: “We have an action-packed day starting off in Moray, visiting Portknockie and then Elgin.
“We will then go to Forres, Nairn, Auldearn and Ardersier.”
At 5.15pm at the bottom of Market Brae Steps, the Lion Dance will take place, walking down to McDonald’s on the High Street.
Pupils from local schools are participating in a drawing competition, and the winner will get to ‘wake the lion’.
From there, people can purchase a ticket to enjoy an evening of festivities at Kingsmills Hotel, including a three-course meal.
Monica continued: “We will have the Lion Dance, piano recitals, singers and much more.
“We also have the Chinese Consul General coming hopefully!”
A raffle will be held in the evening to raise funds for SHIMCA, which holds Mandarin classes and supports the local community with a food bank.
What does the year of the snake mean?
Monica said: “It’s a good year. The snake is all about regeneration and persistence.
“The snake is curious and good for business!
“The snake is not always loyal and likes to be alone. It also loves beautiful things.”
