Liverpool’s Chinatown is home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe. Settlers began arriving as long ago as 1834 as trade with the Far East was developing and growing. The community began to grow significantly in the second half of the nineteenth century.
At the top of Nelson Street is the Chinese Arch which dominates the area. Constructed by craftsmen in Shanghai it was assembled and completed here in Liverpool in time for the new year celebrations in 2000. It has become the focal point of celebrations of the Chinese New Year ever since..
2019 is the Year of the Pig and celebrations were held over three days with a good mix of arts and cultural events. The whole city centre gets involved with red Chinese lanterns in the trees in the major shopping streets, significant buildings in the city illuminated with red light and a trail featuring the animals of the Chinese zodiac as large murals on buildings and shop fronts by local artist Cherie Grist.
The pig takes centre stage on a wall next to the Chinese Arch.
For many, especially children, the festivities are all about the parades with dragon and lion dancing. The colour, the music and the movement make it an superb experience to witness, especially if the weather is kind as it was on Sunday.
