Chinese in UK find ways to celebrate despite lockdown

Events on hold

One of the biggest celebrations outside of Asia usually takes place in London and features a parade of dancers, entertainers and floats passing through the streets from Trafalgar Square to Chinatown. The festivities draw thousands of London residents and tourists.

Celebrations include live performances and activities in Trafalgar Square and Chinese cuisine is served in pop-up food stalls.

Manchester, in northwest England, has also become renowned for its annual dragon parade that winds through the city center.

But this year, due to UK government restrictions to control the spread of the virus, many celebrations have been canceled and Chinese and Asian communities are taking a low-key approach to the holiday and staying at home.

Liu said she was planning a traditional celebration with her husband and two sons.

"There are many traditions I follow that have been passed down from generations before me," she said. "For example, it is traditional for us to clean the house in order to start the new year fresh and clean. Children and adults alike have their hair cut to get rid of old ends."

She said they usually celebrate the beginning of Spring Festival with a large family meal at which married people and older members of the family give red packets to younger children and single members of the family.

For others celebrating the Spring Festival, social media and video calls allow them to connect with their families and loved ones, especially those far from home.