Bernice Harrisonon alternatives to movies and the mall
Chinese New Year
Children born in 1997 should be feeling a little special this weekend. They were born in the last year of the Ox, and yesterday saw the beginning of the festivities to celebrate this Chinese New Year, which once again celebrates the Ox, the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work.
The big public celebratory event in Dublin is tomorrow’s carnival in Wolfe Tone Park, on Jervis Street, from 1pm to 6pm. The big draw this year is the Chinese Arts Performance Group, who will be appearing in Ireland for the first time. Expect jaw-dropping acrobatics and spectacular displays.
Also, the Silk and Bamboo Trio will perform enchanting pieces on silk strings and bamboo flutes. Chinese food will be on sale, and there will be craft stalls, information booths, a well-being marquee and martial-arts displays.
KitemakingDublin City Council's 21 libraries are hosting free craft workshops on kite-building, lantern-making, calligraphy and drawing by Jeffery Tan, Elaine Yaps and Chen Jing Nin. If you're in Dublin, contact your local library for times and dates or see www.dublin.ie.
Panda watchDublin Zoo is marking Chinese New Year with a series of talks, beginning today and continuing next week, about Asian animals including pandas, tigers, elephants and birds. After, you can walk the Asian Trail, spotting animals. 01-4748932, www.dublinzoo.ie.