The year of the snake: Chinese New Year in Paris

Living near the Asian district of Paris, Chinese New Year has been all around me since the end of January.  Also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, this tradition has been represented in Paris since the late 20th century. And no. the celebrations are not limited to one evening. The 15-day festival marks the beginning of the Chinese lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, feasting, and honoring ancestors. Over the years, the Chinese community in Paris has grown, and the celebrations have become a vibrant part of the city's cultural landscape. The 13th arrondissement, known as Paris's Chinatown, is the heart of Chinese New Year celebrations in the city. This part of town, situated on the South end, was a industrial zone with many factory laborers. This district came to life at the end of the 1970’s/ beginning of the 1980’s when waves of refugees, mostly from Southeast Asia settled in area. The City of Paris revitalized the neighborhood, transforming it into a bustling hub of Asian culture. Whenever I mention I live in the 13th arrondissement, people always immediately think of the Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Cambodian restaurants the area is famous for. Yesterday we attended the grand parade on Avenue de Choisy and Avenue d´Ivry, a colorful and lively procession that features traditional dragon and lion dances, beautifully adorned floats, and performers in elaborate costumes. And it wasn´t only the Chinese culture that was represented; Geisha´s, dancers from Martinique, Indigenous costumes from Ecuador were all part of this border transcending celebration. Eating is, of course, a very important part of the fun. There were long lines at most restaurants and food stalls. Sunday lunch is a popular tradition in any week let alone during an event like this. We did manage to find a very nice Bahn mi sandwich accompanied by some banana fritters. And we will keep exploring the restaurants on less busy days. The celebrations aren’t limited to the 13th arrondissement. The Bastille Market hosts a special Chinese New Year celebration with lion dances, martial arts performances, and a variety of Asian food stalls. The Faubourg Saint-Honoré parade features colorful floats, dragon dances, and drumming performances, creating a festive atmosphere in this chic part of the city and the parade on the Champs-Élysées. Let’s welcome the year of the snake and see what it brings us!