The world can be a scary place. But Chinese New Year is a chance to focus on fun, rather than fear.
Thousands of people gathered in central London for this year’s celebration.
CGTN’s Michael Marillier explored the traditions and values behind the event.
#chinesenewyear #2025 #london
Thousands of people gathered in central London for this year’s celebration.
CGTN’s Michael Marillier explored the traditions and values behind the event.
#chinesenewyear #2025 #london
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NewsTranscript
00:00Trafalgar Square. It's one of my favourite spots in London. Full of history. Full of tradition.
00:23But today, it feels a little different. Today, it's full of hope.
00:32It's Chinese New Year, and it all kicks off with a parade from the square to nearby Chinatown.
00:40Thousands of people line up to get a glimpse. It's a celebration of China's unique culture.
00:47We are so excited to see all the familiar faces. They're from our hometown,
00:55and it makes us feel like we're back home. I like that London celebrates Chinese New Year.
01:01But this isn't just about China. This celebration seems to bring people together.
01:08Somehow, it transcends borders.
01:11London is so multicultural, isn't it? And just to see
01:14the cultures all getting along, and to be able to celebrate with the people so close to Chinatown,
01:19it's just, yeah, it's just one of those real heartwarming London kind of things, isn't it?
01:26You know what? There's so much conflict and tension in the world right now. Sometimes,
01:31it's just great to see people having fun. And that's what today is all about.
01:37China's ambassador to the UK was one of the guests.
01:41He says the world needs to focus less on politics and more on people.
01:47This is exactly what we have gathered here for, to celebrate peace,
01:56solidarity, friendship, and cooperation.
02:01The Lions of Trafalgar Square stood guard as the officials delivered their speeches.
02:10But just up the road, another group of Lions was on the prowl.
02:18Lions are on the loose in London. We're here in the heart of Chinatown for the traditional
02:25Lion dance ceremony.
02:30The Lions move from restaurant to restaurant. They're supposed to bring blessings for the year
02:35ahead. The owners will usually greet them, offering food in return for good fortune.
02:44It's an age-old practice. But this year, one of the Lions is just a cub.
02:51Performer Jay Sebastian is still a teenager. And yet, he's embracing the tradition.
02:58It makes us all happy to see the smile on people's faces.
03:01The staff in the restaurant, they love it. They all want to take pictures.
03:04And it's very fun to entertain them.
03:07But the Lions aren't the only ones looking for food.
03:13Can you smell that? Noodles.
03:16Ah, yes. The food. The diet will have to wait.
03:21Just some of the noodles will be good, thanks.
03:23Because Chinese New Year isn't Chinese New Year without a tasty treat.
03:33There was also some food for thought.
03:36London's Deputy Mayor reminded us why it's so important to learn from other cultures.
03:41This is what is great about diversity. And this is what is great about our city.
03:46So thank you for turning up and being a part of these celebrations today.
03:52May you have a year filled with joy, with prosperity, with success, with happiness.
04:01These are uncertain times.
04:05But at an event like this, it's almost impossible not to feel happy.
04:12It is, after all, a new year.
04:16And it is brimming with possibility.