On 26 January, 2020, USTB-DMU Confucius Institute (CI) staged a grand parade in the heart of Leicester to start the two-weekevents celebrating Chinese New Year.

Braving the cold rain, a huge crowd were already there around the dazzling lions and dragon at Jubilee Square amid joyful traditional Chinese festive music. An ITV interview with Yingjun Yang, Director of the CI, marked the beginning of the parade. The colorful dragon, symbolizing good luck and prosperity, took the lead, followed by the golden lion and red lion, all dancing to the joyful beats of drums with the rising festive atmosphere.

In the long parade, there succeeded vivid and lovely dragon boats and carp models with yarn tails one after another. The Chinese zodiac animals and Chinese character cards of “福” (fortune), “禄” (prosperity), “寿” (longevity) and “喜” (happiness) interspersed the long procession. Besides the CI teachers and Chinese students, local residents also played a big part in the long parade from street to street swarmed with people of all colors and ages, walking, talking and taking photos and videos.

Around the Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower in the very center of Leicester with a larger crowd waiting, the procession paused for a dragon and lion show. Accompanied by the rhythm of music and the beat of drums, the long dragon, made up of well-dressed and well-trained CI teachers and volunteers, danced up and down, chasing the fiery and pearly dragon ball.

By the dragon were the golden and red lions, jumping from side to side, with big eyes winking and blinking. Despite the cold weather and occasional rain, the audience, especially children, applauding and cheering, were amazed by the spectacular performances in such an auspicious and festiveaura.

Staged by the Confucius Institute with the partnership of the DMU Events Team, the City Council, BID Leicester, Cosmopolitan Arts, etc., the parade from Jubilee Square through High Street, Clock Tower, Humberstone Gate, and New Market Square, added a strong Chinese New Year flavor to the exotic English city of Leicester and facilitated better understanding Chinese culture.