In Southeast Asian countries, Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) is celebrated primarily by the Chinese diaspora. I experienced Chinese New Year during my stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2024, and this article will tell you about it.
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) is a custom celebrated mainly by the Chinese diaspora in countries historically influenced by Chinese civilization. It takes place on the Lunar New Year (usually from late January to early February in the Gregorian calendar, varying by year).
The City’s Atmosphere Transforms as Chinese New Year Approaches
Market Stalls
As Chinese New Year approaches, decorative items and food begin to be sold even in markets outside of Chinatown. Items like the red and white steamed buns and mooncakes, typically not seen in regular markets, start appearing in flashy packaging. These products usually appear in stores about a week before the festival. The vibrant colors seem to change the entire market’s atmosphere. This was also the case at the Chiang Mai Gate Market and the local market in the Haiya district, where I usually shop. I wonder if not only the Chinese diaspora but also Thai people buy these products? It’s hard to tell from observing the shoppers.
Atmosphere of Chinatown on the Day
On the day of Chinese New Year, I visited Chiang Mai’s Chinatown both during the day and at night. Chiang Mai’s Chinatown is located about a 10-minute bike ride northeast of Tha Phae Gate in the Old City. There’s a distinctly Chinese-style temple, and the streets are beautifully decorated, making for a festive atmosphere. Not only local Chinese, but also Western tourists were enjoying themselves, even dressing up in cheongsams. Events were held on the main street, and food stalls lined up, adding to the festive and vibrant mood. When I visited, a Chinese-style fashion show was taking place, attracting a large crowd.
Deafening Firecrackers
In front of the Taoist temple, firecrackers were constantly being set off, making it so loud that my ears hurt when I was nearby. Setting off firecrackers is believed to ward off evil spirits. People who came to worship would buy firecrackers and hand them to the attendants, who would then light them for their families. This continued all night.
Chinese New Year at Night
I returned to my accommodation and went back to Chinatown after 8 PM to see the dragon dance, as I had heard it would be performed around that time. When I went to the main street where the events were held during the day, I saw a dragon dance similar to the Nagasaki Kunchi festival’s dragon dance, surrounded by many tourists.
Conclusion
Upon entering Chinatown, the atmosphere made me almost forget I was in Thailand. The next day, the New Year’s goods had disappeared from the market, and it had returned to its usual Thai market atmosphere. It was an experience that allowed me to witness the historical influence of Chinese civilization in Southeast Asia, once a year.
