Folks, it's time to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Wooden Dragon. On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, which is based, as you'd expect, on the lunar calendar, the Champs-Elysées marked the occasion this year. On Sunday February 4, 2024, hundreds of strollers enjoyed a festive and lively parade.
On Sunday February 4, the Champs-Élysées belonged to pedestrians. In the morning, it was the runners of the 10 km des Champs-Elysées who took possession of it, while in the afternoon, a lively parade in the colors of Asian countries brightened up the walk along the beautiful avenue.
The festivities took place at 99 avenue des Champs-Élysées and 104 de l'Avenue. Everyone was invited to dress in traditional Han Fu garb for the occasion.
Chinese New Year parades, which celebrate the Spring Festival, are a vibrant and colorful celebration marking the start of the new year according to the Chinese lunar calendar, but also Vietnamese, Korean and many others. These festivities, which can last up to two weeks, are the expression of age-old cultural traditions and have profound significance for Chinese communities around the world.
The heart of these celebrations is embodied by the parades, dazzling displays of color, sound and movement. The streets come alive with dancing dragons and lions, symbols of strength, courage and good fortune, who weave their way through the crowds to the sound of cymbals, drums and firecrackers, believed to ward off evil spirits and attract good luck for the year ahead.
Beyond the spectacle, these parades carry a profound meaning. They are an opportunity for families and communities to come together, renew social ties and share wishes for prosperity, health and happiness. Chinese New Year is a time for reflection, renewal and hope, symbolizing the transition from the old to the new and the aspiration to a better future.
Relive the parade in pictures :
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Finally, Chinese New Year parades transcend cultural boundaries, inviting people of all origins to join in the celebration. They offer a window onto the diversity and richness of Chinese culture, while promoting harmony and understanding between peoples. Through these festivities, the universal message of peace, happiness and renewal is beautifully expressed, strengthening the bonds of understanding and friendship throughout the world.
While the Chinese New Year parade on the Champs-Élysées is far from the most imposing, it remains a fine celebration on Paris's most emblematic avenue. For other Lunar New Year parades, be sure to consult our guide.
Dates and Opening Time
On February 4th, 2024
Location
Hotel Barrière Le Fouquet's Paris
46 Avenue George V
75008 Paris 8
Prices
Free
