February 05. CHINESE NEW YEAR

 "Spring Festival" falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. It is considered primarily a family holiday, the most important one in China and in a number of East Asian countries. It is no accident that the Chinese call New Year’s Eve, "the night of meeting after a separation." There is no more important moment in the year than when the whole family gathers around the holiday table, with its abundant variety of dishes, for New Year's dinner.

The magnificent tradition of celebrating the New Year by the lunar calendar came to Vladivostok with immigrants from China in the late 19th century and continued for a little over 40 years. Since then, however, despite all the changes and relative freedom in choosing holidays, parades with dragons have not returned to the streets of our seaside capital. Truthfully, though, on the list of events where one can still try his luck making wishes, Chinese New Year holds a special place in the hearts of Vladivostok residents.