Chinese New Year in Paris has become one of the city's most popular annual events. Paris has a large and thriving French-Chinese community whose cultural influence grows stronger all the time.
Parisians of all stripes eagerly crowd the streets of South Paris each year to witness a cheerful procession of dancers and musicians, vibrantly-hued dragons and fish, and elegant flags embossed with Chinese characters. Boisterous Chinese restaurants are packed to the brim with locals and tourists, and the night set may include special theatrical or musical performances or even film festivals. A truly memorable experience.
Chinese New Year in Paris: Street Parades in 2012:
In 2012, Chinese New Year falls earlier than in most years, beginning on Monday, January 23rd and culminating on Sunday, January 29th.
Main Parade in Paris: Sunday, January 29th.
Where: The first major parade is scheduled to kick off at 1:30 pm and starts at or around 44, Avenue d'Ivry in the 13th arrondissement (metro Tolbiac). The second parade falls on the same day and will be held in the Belleville neighborhood, beginning at 1pm at Place Frehel (Metro Pyrenees or Belleville).
Where: The first major parade is scheduled to kick off at 1:30 pm and starts at or around 44, Avenue d'Ivry in the 13th arrondissement (metro Tolbiac). The second parade falls on the same day and will be held in the Belleville neighborhood, beginning at 1pm at Place Frehel (Metro Pyrenees or Belleville).
Parade Highlights: Chinese New Year parades in Paris are famed for their elaborate decorations (red lanterns, grinning dragons and tigers, bright orange fish) and for their noisy cheer, which usually includes firecrackers.
