Cllr Adam Hug and Lord Mayor Hamza Taouzzale at the night market

THE Chinese community was unfairly targeted in the very early days of Covid-19 pandemic, back before lockdowns, social distancing and compulsory face masks had become a new normal.

The Chinese New Year celebrations have been called off for the past two years because of fears of infection.

Business in Chinatown was severely hit as footfall plummeted, initially due to racist prejudices about the origin of the virus.

Crucial not-for-profits like the Chinese Community Centre have struggled to survive and some restaurants hit the wall.

But Chinatown has roared back from the brink and this year’s celebrations are expected to be bigger than ever.

Westminster City Council leader Adam Hug and Lord Mayor Hamza Taouzzale officially opened a series of night markets in Chinatown this week, ahead of the main event starting on Sunday.

Cllr Hug said: “Chinatown was one of the first areas of the city to be hit by the effects of coronavirus, and in the early days of the pandemic it suffered from a degree of misdirected criticism and misinformation.

“But with characteristic energy and resilience, the Chinese community has reinvigorated itself and the area is now as buzzy and packed as before, and clearly benefiting from the general revival of our hospitality sector.

Stalls at the night market were offering traditional food

“I see Chinatown as a vital part of our offer to visitors, both from the UK and abroad. You just have to see the blaze of colour and dynamism that I saw at the launch of the Chinese night market this week to see why these streets are an international draw. The Chinese community is an old and established one in Westminster, and they will remain part of our success story.”

Cllr Hug and Cllr Taouzzale spoke to stall holders and tried their hands at calligraphy before sampling sweet Chinese pudding.

There were traditional dragon dancers at the launch of what was, pre-Covid, the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations in Europe.

More than 300,000 people are expected to come to the colourful parade, free stage performances and traditional Chinese food, on offer from Shaftesbury Avenue down to Trafalgar Square.

Organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA), the Year of the Rabbit officially kicks off with the main parade starting at Trafalgar Square near Charing Cross station at 10am, before heading around the West End.

It is the main feature of the celebrations with colourful floats and the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe.

More than 50 teams take part in the annual event that is due to move off from Charing Cross Road before snaking its way through Shaftesbury Avenue and around Chinatown.

Visitors could also try their hand at calligraphy

There will also be three days of the night markets in Chinatown with a full range of special activities and foodie treats.

Stages can be found in Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue.

The fun in Trafalgar Square is expected to begin with a screen show and a thanksgiving ceremony, followed by firecrackers, speeches and the Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony.

There will be traditional dragon and flying lion dances and fun-filled stage performances, including Chinese dance and music shows, martial arts displays, Chinese pop hits and an exciting line-up of artists from China.

Stalls will be lining the square with home-cooked treats and there will be children’s events put on by the National Gallery.

In the evening there will be a spectacular pyrotechnic display that lights up Trafalgar Square to mark the end of the festivities.

There will be live music and comedy from up and coming talent and cultural activities in Leicester Square with some martial art performances, including Shaolin kung fu and wing chun, in Charing Cross Road.

LCCA was founded in 1978 to develop and expand businesses in Chinatown and represent British Chinese to engage with the council and government while promoting Chinese art and culture.

Happy Year of the Rabbit

WELCOME to the year of the rabbit.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, anyone born in the years 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939 or 1927 has the rabbit as their sign.

Rabbits are said to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded, and ingenious and are a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture.

It all comes from an ancient folklore story about the Chinese zodiac animals. In the story, the rabbit eats too much grass on a hill near his burrow leaving a large bare mound outside this home.

However, a hungry wolf notices the bare slope and pounces on the rabbit, biting off its tail. A long chase through the woods follows before a dragon steps in and overwhelms the wolf.

The rabbit escapes and ends up meeting 12 other animals taking part in a race. It later takes better care not to overeat the grass around his home.

According to Chinese astrology, the luckiest people in 2023 will be those born in the year of the ox, tiger and snake.

After them, but with not quite so much luck, are dogs, horses, goats and pigs.

Rabbits and rats will be influenced by whether they are to the Grand Duke of Jupiter. Roosters and monkeys will have to work especially hard to make headway.