According to the Chinese calendar, it is this week, Thursday, February 19th, that the Horse makes way for the Wood Goat.
This is the perfect occasion to enjoy the many free activities, Chinese cuisine, and parades organized by the different arrondissements of Paris, as well as in the Ile-de-France region. For the record, in China, the New Year is celebrated over a period that can last up to a month!
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Chinese New Year in the Marais
Like every year, the traditional Paris Chinese New Year parade for the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, also known as the “Spring Festival“, will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015, starting from the Place de la République at 2:30 PM, after the opening ceremony featuring dragon and lion dances.
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2015 Chinese New Year in the Marais, Place de la République
Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 2:00 PM
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The Town Hall of the 13th Arrondissement
As every year, the town hall of the 13th arrondissement of Paris is organizing numerous events until February 27, 2015: concerts, exhibitions, traditional shows, workshops, not to mention the traditional parade.
The latter will take place on Sunday, February 22, starting at 1:00 PM. It will begin at 44 Avenue d’Ivry, pass through Avenue de Choisy, Place d’Italie, Avenue d’Italie, Rue de Tolbiac, Avenue de Choisy, Boulevard Masséna, and return to Avenue d’Ivry.
All information and the program are available on the 13th arrondissement town hall website.
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Chinese New Year in Belleville
This event is the result of a collaboration between the town halls of the 10th, 11th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements and the local merchants’ association. Consequently, the party and the parade will take place in the neighborhoods of these 4 arrondissements.
This 7th edition of the Chinese New Year parade in Belleville will therefore be held this year on Sunday, February 22, starting at 10:30 AM.
Chinese New Year in Belleville
Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 10:30 AM at Belleville metro
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Chinese Carnival at the Jardin d’Acclimatation
The Jardin d’Acclimatation is organizing a Grand Chinese Carnival this Tuesday, February 17, 2015, to combine the festivities of Chinese New Year and Mardi Gras.
Great tip: children and parents in costume will get free access to the park that day!
Jardin d’Acclimatation / Bois de Boulogne – 75116 Paris
Tuesday, February 17, 2015 from 12:00 PM
Jardin d’Acclimatation entrance fee: 3€ (ages 3 and up) / free entry for those in costume
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Têt Festival at the Massy Palaiseau Opera (91)
This annual gathering of the Vietnamese community, the Têt Festival, brings together more than 1,000 people every year for a day of fun activities, exhibitions, games, and a big show presented by the AGEVP. This year it will take place on Sunday, February 22.
Starting at 2:00 PM in the auditorium, a show blending songs, dances, and sketches, prepared by the artistic section of the AGEVP, will be offered to the public.
Têt Festival at the Massy Opera
Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 11:00 AM
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Chinese New Year in Noisy-le-Grand (93)
Noisy-le-Grand also celebrates Chinese New Year with a parade, as well as shows, workshops, exhibitions, and music.
These festivities will take place on Sunday, March 1, 2015, starting at 3:30 PM, at Place de la Libération.
2015 Chinese New Year in Noisy-le-Grand
Sunday, March 1, 2015
From 2:00 PM / departure at 3:30 PM, Place de la Libération
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The Guimet Museum celebrates Chinese New Year
The Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts invites the public to discover the traditions associated with Chinese New Year on Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22, 2015. The new year according to the Chinese lunar calendar begins on February 19, 2015, and ends on February 7, 2016.
On the program: lion dance, a trail focusing on auspicious symbols, tea tasting, mini-lectures, activities for young audiences, …
Fortune cookies (cookies that contain a message meant to predict the future) will also be available at the reception at the end of the visit.
Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts
6, place d’Iéna – 75016 Paris
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Chinese New Year Menu at Zen Garden
I confess my shame; until a few weeks ago, I had never heard of the gourmet Chinese restaurant Zen Garden.
Yet, it is a renowned establishment that offers the opportunity to discover the great classics of the 4 gastronomic regions of China, complemented by the inventive creations of Shiming Chen, the owner and chef of the place.
Everything in this restaurant invites you to take a journey to China, starting with the traditional decor featuring its majestic 8-meter high Zen tower that sits in the center of the space, right down to the Chinese staff who take care of you.
But in this case, I went to this venerable temple of Chinese cuisine to discover in advance the special Chinese New Year menu, which honors the Goat this year.
Here is the succession of dishes, in photos, that I was able to taste (let me tell you that my guest and I absolutely could not finish all these dishes; it was so copious).
To discover in this menu :
- The seven treasures of the lotus flower, a fresh and crunchy dish made of seafood and vegetables, which won the 1998 Dalin Gold Medal.
- Eggplant fritters with black sesame.
- Duck cubes in caramel sauce, so tender.
- Spring rolls with Peking duck (in the appetizer assortment).
Zen Garden Restaurant
15 rue Marbeuf – 75008 Paris
Special Chinese New Year menu at €68/person, house cocktail included
From February 18 to 22, 2015
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All that’s left for me to do is wish you all a very happy Chinese New Year!
