AnglOrony

The strong links Liverpool has with the Chinese culture and people are traditionally highlighted in the celebrations of the Chinese New Year . The year 2019 is particularly special as it marks the 20th anniversary of Liverpool being twinned with Shanghai . Festive lanterns adorn the streets in pre-season of the main observance week and its culmination of Dragon and Lion Parade held on Sunday. There was a special pyrotechnic show titled The Quest for the Arch in the city's Chinatown, many historic buildings were lit in the red colour, fortune cookies were freely given to passers-by.  We managed to get to the main Sunday event on Great George Square . The weather was cold as expected in mid-February but the Sun was certainly adding to the cheer.   Chinese astrology refers to fixed cycles of twelve animals. The piglets were happily bouncing in the air proclaiming the Pig patronage over the next twelve months. The red colour of lanterns symbolizes health, good fortune, and general

A welcome in the Year of the Pig in Manchester had been happening in Chinatown and around the city between 2nd and 10th February. Exhibitions of art, traditional New Year Chinese decorations,  installations, street food markets, martial arts displays, the Dragon parade - there was plenty to get the vibe. In Chinese culture, dragons symbolize wisdom, power, protection. Every year in Manchester the Dragon dance is performed to bring good fortune to the city and to chase away any evil spirits, especially in the tight Chinese community in the heart of Manchester.  A giant, glittering Golden Dragon was at the Exchange Square.   2019 is a Year of the Pig according to the Chinese calendar. UK artist, Alex Rinsler, had been commissioned to create a Giant Piglet  that landed in St Ann’s Square. Around the sculpture were piggy banks for contribution to the two charities, The Big Change and the Wai Yin Society. As the charming red lanterns appear in the city centre, everybody kno