When is Chinese New Year 2020 and what is the animal zodiac sign?
CHINESE New Year is fast approaching, bringing a period of colourful decorations and feasting.
When is it and how is it celebrated in the UK? Here's what we know.
When is Chinese New Year 2020?
will be celebrated on Saturday, January 25.
It is also known as the Spring Festival, marking the end of the coldest days.
In line with the introduction of the spring season, people plant harvests and eat lavish feasts.
The date changes every year and is the longest Chinese holiday, lasting for 15 days.
It is widely believed that the most fireworks are set off across the world for this festival than any other.
What is the animal zodiac sign this year?
The animal for 2020 is the rat.
The Chinese zodiac is made up of 12 animals, which change each year on a rotating cycle.
Your birth year and the animal will determine a lot about your personality traits and the life you'll lead.
This year is the celebration of the rat.
People born in 2020 are expected to have a lot of good fortune in their wealth and their careers.
Fortune tellers also believe people will pass exams and get great certificates this year.
Which Chinese zodiac animal am I?
- Rat: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960
- Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961
- Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
- Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
- Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
- Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
- Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
- Goat: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
- Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
- Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
- Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958
- Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959
How is Chinese New year celebrated in the UK?
Most large cities have their own events planned, with parades and lantern festivals.
You can visit Chinatown at any time to see the decorations or sample the food.
The Chinese New Year parade will take place on Sunday, January 26, in London.
In Manchester, a weekend-long Chinese New Year extravaganza will take place, featuring giant art installations and a parade led by a 175ft dragon from Albert Square to Chinatown.
There will also be activities for all ages at the city's Central Library.
Meanwhile, three days of Chinese New Year festivities are set to take place in with activities including:
- A family workshop for some hands-on fun
- Legendary Dragon and Lion Parades through the city centre
- Chinese New Year gifts at the Chinese Market
- A live show to see with the kids at the The Great George Street Stage
- A spectacular projection/pyrotechnic display
In , a free party is being thrown to mark the occasion.
It's set to be the biggest celebration in the Midlands, expected to attract more than 30,000 people.
Highlights include:
- Festivities at the Bullring & Grand Central and in and around the Hippodrome
- Delicious Chinese food, from dumplings to noodles
- Traditional entertainment including lion dancing, firecrackers and magic shows
- Workshops where you can learn to sing traditional Chinese songs
SPECIAL DAYS IN THE CALENDAR YEAR
is promising an even bigger celebration than its 2019 Year of the Pig party.
The returns once again to host the Year of the Rat Celebrations in collaboration with Southampton City Council.
Among the planned events are a gala stage show and a Chinese lantern festival parade.
There'll be Chinese culture aplenty at the , by the Nottingham Confucius Institute.
Held at the city's Djanogly Theatre, a host of singers, dancers and martial artists are set to welcome in the Year of the Rat.
And in Scotland, Edinburgh will host its annual Chinese New Year party at the .
The event will take place at Abden House on January 31 at 6pm.