In the Chinese zodiac, the pig is characterised as a smart, hardworking animal, but one leaning towards materialism Shutterstock

In the Chinese zodiac, the pig is characterised as a smart, hardworking animal, but one leaning towards materialism Shutterstock

The Chinese year of the pig, the last in the 12-year cycle related to the Chinese calendar and zodiac, officially starts on 5 February. 

In the Chinese zodiac, the pig is a clever but realistic animal, one which enjoys life and leans toward materialism—but they’ll work hard to achieve wealth. People born in the year of the pig are said to have such characteristics, although the sign varies slightly depending on the specific year of birth. 

The Chinese new year is one of the world’s biggest celebrations, not just in mainland China, but also in countries with large overseas Chinese populations—Singapore, Malaysia and the US, to name a few.

Luxembourg is no exception: as of 2017, there were over 3,200 Chinese nationals as part of Luxembourg’s multicultural population, according to a Statec study, so there will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate the new year, as well as Chinese heritage more broadly.

Attend cultural workshops

On 19 January, a day-long celebration takes place, organised by the Chinese Language and Culture Centre (CLCCL) in collab with the Trier Confucius Institute and Yishuge, a non-profit team of Asian and German artists and teachers aimed at sparking curiosity among youngsters through cross-cultural engagement.

During the day, participants have the opportunity to observe a tea ceremony or visit a workshop on the subject; hear Chinese singing; experience Chinese calligraphy, painting, papercutting and origami; watch dance performances with a lion and dragon or with Gong Fu fans; see Chinese gymnasts; and more. Chinese snacks will also be on offer over the course of the event.

When: 19 January, 9:30am-4pm

Where: Lycée de Garçons de Luxembourg, Place August Laurent, L-1921 Luxembourg

More info: clccl.lu

Family feast

The Little Panda Mandarin Club Luxembourg hosts a family feast with very limited seating in a private home with Mrs. Zhang, who is a tea master, cook and Guzheng player. The event involves a brief lesson about the spring festival and family feast, followed by a three-course lunch menu, tea tasting and a musical performance. The price is 50 euros per guest, but space is extremely limited, so advance registration through the event page is required. 

When: 19 January, 9:30am-4pm

Where: 16A, Rue de la Gaichel L-8469 Eischen (private home)

More info: Facebook event page

New year’s extravaganza

On 26 January, the Place d’Armes will host day-long festivities. Stands and activities ranging from tai chi to papercutting and more will be set up on the plaza, with a range of culinary delights—including traditional dumplings—available for tasting.

Then at 2:30pm, a traditional dragon and lion dance and parade, performed by a Parisian troupe, will take place.

The day is organised by the Confucius Institute at the University of Luxembourg, in partnership with the China-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and the Union Commerciale de la Ville de Luxembourg.

When: 26 January, 1pm-4pm, with parade starting at 2:30pm

Where: Place d’Armes, L-1368 Luxembourg

More info: china-lux.lu, email: [email protected]

Learn about Chinese civilisation origins

The MNHA and Henan Museum have teamed together to showcase over 150 objects. Photo: Henan Museum

Running through 28 April, a temporary exhibition at the MNHA provides a glimpse into the over 3,000 years of Chinese history, from the Xia and Shang dynasties to that of the Song, through over 150 archaeological objects, including a jade mask and pendant, bronze dings and more.

The exhibition is a collaboration with the Henan Museum and other museums of Henan province and organised with the support of Bank of China Luxembourg and Cargolux.

When: Through 28 April, during normal MNHA visiting hours

Where: MNHA, Marché-aux-Poissons, L-2345 Luxembourg

More info: mnha.lu