Year of the Snake 🐍
29 januari t/m 9 februari 2025

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar and is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and rituals that symbolize good fortune for the coming year. The festivities include colorful parades, dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and the exchange of red envelopes with money as a token of well wishes. It is a time of joy, community, and hope for a prosperous new year, deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions and cultural significance.
Markthal Program
On Saturday, February 1, in addition to enjoying a variety of Asian world cuisines, you can also take part in a special Chinese New Year program:
🔹 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Chinese Calligraphy Workshop ✍
Have your name written in Chinese calligraphy and take home a unique piece of art.
🔹 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Chinese Harp Performance
Experience the enchanting sounds of a professional Guzheng artist.
🔹 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM - Live: Traditional Chinese Singing
De Markthal is a mix of cultures, and so is this duo: Enjoy a unique performance by a Chinese woman and a Dutch man. Special guest: The winner of the Chinese Dutch Song Contest 2021!
🔹 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM - Chinese Tea Ceremony
Immerse your senses in a traditional tea ceremony, where you can enjoy unlimited tastings of different tea varieties.
Lion dance 8 february
Lion dancers will parade through the streets to bless Rotterdam businesses for the new year. The ceremony helps drive away evil spirits and brings prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.
On Saturday, February 8, this parade will make its way through the city and will also pass through the Markthal.
Year of the Snake🐍
A key part of Chinese New Year celebrations is the zodiac animal of the year. Each year is represented by a different animal, and this year it’s the Snake! Click here for an overview of all zodiac art pieces shown in Markthal from 29th January up and until 9th February.