If you reside in Phuket or spending a vacation here in February, you’re in luck! You have the opportunity to join in on the local celebrations of Chinese New Year.

In 2024, the Year of the Rabbit ends on February 9, and the Year of the Dragon begins on February 10. The festivities are a plenty, and they extend well beyond these two days, so here’s what you need to know.

New Year traditions

Like many cultures worldwide, the Chinese celebrate their New Year with the principle, “Do what you would love to continue happening throughout the year.” All the traditions aim to attract goodness and prosperity for the next 12 months.

A generous family feast isn’t just a treat for the palate; it symbolizes abundance for the coming year. Tasty and nutritious dishes abound, with whole roasted or steamed duck, chicken, and fish being highly favored. A whole roasted suckling pig is considered particularly lucky. Don’t forget to include fruits, pastries, and candies to ensure a sweet and pleasant year ahead.

As with any Chinese celebration, the color red dominates the New Year, representing benevolence and luck. Adding golden elements to your attire completes the ensemble, signifying good luck, health, love, and prosperity for the year ahead. Conversely, black and white are associated with bad luck.

Red envelopes containing money are a top gift during Chinese New Year, symbolizing prosperity for the recipient throughout the year. Taking advantage of New Year discounts at shopping centers also brings the promise of good fortune.

Red firecrackers are another iconic symbol of Chinese New Year, used to ward off evil spirits. The traditional cannonade heard on the streets of Phuket serves this purpose well.

Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together, much like Christmas, so be sure to reach out to your loved ones, even if you can’t celebrate together in person.

And remember, entering the Year of the Dragon with a smile sets the tone for a cheerful year ahead. No crying, whining, arguing, or tears allowed. Have you noticed some kids are a little too much on the naughty side this week? Yes, they know they will not get punished, as parents do not want any tears on their faces either.

New Year events

Phuket will celebrate Chinese New Year from February 9 to 11 and beyond, with Friday being a family-oriented day and Saturday and Sunday ideal for outings.

Start your Saturday adventure by visiting your favorite shopping mall, where you can experience various New Year festivities, including lion and dragon dances, traditional music and rituals, and discounted shopping. Afternoon hours are the most popular for these events, so come around lunchtime and have fun for as long as you want.

In the evening, head to Phuket Town, adorned with Chinese lanterns and beautiful decorations. The illuminated streets come alive after sunset, offering a mesmerizing spectacle of light and sound. Explore Phang Nga Rd, Thalang Rd, Yaowarat Rd, and visit one of the prominent Chinese temples, such as the Saphan Hin Shrine.

Don’t miss the weekend fairs, such as Lard Yai and Chartered Walking Street in Phuket Town on Sunday, or the Wat Chalong Fair, a century-old event running every night from Feb 9 to 15.

The main event kicks off next week with the three-day Old Town Festival, officially named Phuket Festival 2024, from Feb 15 to 17. Located in the historic area of Phuket Town, the festival features over 300 street stalls offering food, drinks, and local products. Visitors can also participate in a quest to find the eight symbols of the Chinese New Year, with rewards awaiting those who complete the challenge.