2009 is the Chinese year of the Ox, which began on 26 January with a 15-day celebration through to 9 February. The celebration of the Chinese New Year in Medway has emerged from a small Chinese community event into the third largest celebration of its kind in the United Kingdom, involving the whole Medway community in a grand street parade with dragons, lions and more than 250 people, in costumes especially imported from China. The celebrations take place in Chatham town centre.
People born in the Year of the Ox are said to be bright, happy and easygoing. They are extremely trustworthy, very alert, competitive and make natural mentors. They also have a sensitive side with a touch of poetic flair and are warm people who make very good friends. They also love to socialise, are hard-working, determined and dedicated.
This year the Medway celebrations started with a welcome to the Year of the Ox on Saturday, 24 January in Chatham High Street between 12 noon and 1.30pm and included performances of the lion dance to welcome the new year.
The main event was on Sunday, 25 and started at 12 noon with the Medway Chinese New Year parade in Chatham High Street, followed at 2.30pm by a spectacular Chinese New Year show at the Central Theatre in Chatham. The show featured Chinese dragon and lion dancers and the award-winning lion dance team from Foshan, China, as well as folk dances and music from Chinese traditional songs to Chinese pop music.
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