Pomp and fanfare as Chinese celebrate their New Year in Fourways

The glamorous event, characterised by pomp and fanfare, was organised by Chinese-owned property company, Galencia Property.

Revellers – Chinese and other nationals alike – were entertained by a live band which was backed by graceful female dancers who kept the audience asking for more.

Pooja Ramcharan, marketing manager of Galencia Property, said the purpose of the gathering was to get people to eat, drink and dance to the music. “This is what is done at the beginning of every Chinese New Year,” said Ramcharan

The Chinese New Year is an important Chinese festival which is celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. It is also known as the Spring Festival, which is the literal translation of the modern Chinese name. Celebrations traditionally run from the evening preceding the first day until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month.

The Inchanga road event lived up to this standard of running into the early hours of the following day. Chinese dishes took centre stage during the celebrations while beer and wine flowed smoothly throughout the night. Celebrators indulged in Kung Pao chicken, deliciously braised e-fu noodles, prawn crackers, Buddha’s delight (luohan zai), lip-smacking cumin lamb skewers and refreshing bowls of mango pudding.

Children had their set of entertainment fun – from see-saws to jumping castles.

The New Year festival is centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions.

Traditionally, the festival was a time to honour deities as well as ancestors. The Chinese New Year is celebrated in countries and territories with significant Chinese populations.

The evening preceding the Chinese New Year’s Day is an occasion for families to gather for an annual reunion dinner. It is also traditional for every family to thoroughly cleanse the house in order to sweep away any ill-fortune and to make way for good incoming luck.

Windows and doors are decorated with red paper cutouts which have couplets with popular themes of good fortune or happiness, wealth, and longevity.

Other activities include lighting firecrackers to chase away evil spirits, and giving away money in red paper envelopes.

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