The vibrant and colorful celebrations of the Chinese New Year Festival 2025 have kicked off in Moscow, captivating the attention of locals and tourists alike. This year, the festival officially opened on January 28 and will run until February 9, celebrating the rich traditions of the Chinese New Year with numerous events throughout the city.
During the festival’s opening ceremony, Moscow's Deputy Mayor Natalia Sergunina welcomed everyone, expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming celebrations. "We invite all to celebrate the New Year once again — this time according to the Eastern calendar. January holidays were a success, drawing millions of visitors. Over the next two weeks, we have prepared over 400 events, including theatrical performances, workshops, lectures, film screenings, and tea ceremonies," she noted proudly.
The festival features diverse activities spread across various iconic locations including Manezhnaya Square, Tverskoy Boulevard, VDNH, and the Botanical Garden. The backdrop of vibrant light installations has transformed the heart of the city, inviting residents and visitors to immerse themselves fully in the Chinese cultural experience.
At the festival's main venue on Manezhnaya Square, attendees can witness spectacular decorations, indulge in traditional Chinese cuisine, and participate in workshops such as learning to play Go or creating symbolic red lanterns and envelopes typically exchanged during the New Year celebrations. Contemporary celebrations of the Chinese New Year, often referred to as Spring Festival, showcase not only the deep cultural roots but also how these traditions are adapting to urban life.
Central to the festivities are the colorful parades featuring lion and dragon dances, which are key elements aimed at ushering good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Natalia Sergunina also pointed out, "The festival has grown significantly, with many tourists expected this year, especially following the success of previous events, which drew over 700,000 people last year alone." This year's event anticipates even greater participation, highlighting the increasing popularity of the Chinese New Year celebrations across Russia.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, characterized the festival as not just significant for bilateral relations between Russia and China, but as "a true international event." She emphasized the festival's recognition by UNESCO, underscoring its role as a symbol of cultural heritage and cooperation between nations.
The festival's programming includes dragon and lion dances, street performances, and various other displays contributing to the festive atmosphere. For those interested, Tverskoy Boulevard will host tea ceremonies, culinary competitions, and eastern music performances arranged modernly, creating a unique blend of tradition and contemporary culture.
At VDNH, visitors can engage in dance workshops and thematic guided tours discussing similarities and differences between Russian and Chinese New Year celebrations, as well as artistic exchanges. Meanwhile, the Moscow Zoo will present immersive shows and documentaries featuring its famous panda, Katyusha.
Throughout these days, over 120 restaurants across Moscow are participating by offering authentic Chinese dishes, bridging culinary cultures and offering locals and visitors alike the chance to indulge in authentic flavors.
The Chinese New Year, celebrated on January 29 this year, ushers in the Year of the Green Wooden Snake, symbolizing wisdom, elegance, and transformation. This period holds immense cultural significance, prompting millions of families worldwide to reunite, and it is marked by the spring festival's rituals traditionally observed during this time.
Red, symbolizing good fortune, dominates the decorations and attire during this period, reflecting beliefs deeply ingrained within Chinese culture to ward off bad luck and invite prosperity. Red lanterns and couplets adorn many streets, and the spirit of festivities permeates the city as families prepare traditional dishes, share gifts, and engage in time-honored customs.
This annual event showcases the best of Chinese culture and fosters goodwill among different communities, marking Moscow not just as the capital of Russia, but as a vibrant cultural hub where traditions from around the world converge. With diverse programs aimed at drawing people together through celebration, the Chinese New Year Festival continues its role as a beacon of multicultural integration within the city.
The festival also marks the remarkable transformation of urban celebrations, reflecting how traditional customs adapt to the dynamics of modern life. The excitement surrounding the event provides insight not just culturally but also economically, enhancing tourism and international relations.
With festivities extending beyond mere celebrations, the festival encapsulates all of the human spirit’s creativity, resilience, and hope for the future, inviting everyone to partake. This year, as people gather to mark the arrival of the Year of the Green Wooden Snake, they do so with anticipation, unity, and joy.