Giant Piglet and Golden Dragon in Chinese New Year 2019, Manchester
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.
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.
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.
As the charming red lanterns appear in the city centre, everybody knows the Chinese New Year is coming. Manchester, a city very diverse ethnically, is proud to have those celebrations around.
