(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Drums, paper lanterns and dancing dragons will be seen and heard in Chinese communities all over the world tonight as the they ring in the Chinese New Year.
Abu Dhabi may have a big Chinese community ready to celebrate, but no China Town, so the Ferrari World on Yas Island is where the party is going to be.
Year of the Goat
On February 19, the Chinese enter the Year of the Goat. According to the Far Eastern nation traditions, each year, the beginning of the Chinese New Year is associated with an animal sign, occurring in a 12-year cycle. The goat comes 8th in this cycle. The other 11 symbolic animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
Each animal lends its character attributes to those born in "their" year. Thus, those bearing the sign of the goat are said to be calm, gentle, friendly, honest, even thoughtful and creative.
According to Chinese beliefs, the lucky numbers in the Year of the Goat are two and seven; the lucky colours are brown, red and purple; lucky flowers are carnations and primroses; the lucky direction is North; and the lucky months are August and November.
The modern Chinese zodiac is even adding "lucky" or best suited careers to the list, which, for the Year of the Goat, are supposed to be paediatrician, actor, teacher, interior designer, musician and editor.
The Goat years born Chinese may have lucky numbers, colours and dates, but they are not so lucky when it comes to families.
According to a popular Chinese folk saying, "Only one out of 10 people born in a year of the Goat finds happiness," which means most babies born under the Goat sign are destined for failed marriages, unhappy families and bad luck. Most Chinese people also believe that babies born in a Goat year will grow up to be followers rather than leaders.
In rural China especially, many still base their life decisions on these beliefs, so not many Chinese babies are expected in 2015!
silvia@khaleejtimes.com
"We've decided to celebrate the Chinese New Year because it is such an iconic event all over the world and we want to support our Chinese community," said William Da Silva, entertainment manager at Ferrari World.
"We worked for months to prepare for the event. We have 10 different activities and all artists are coming from China, so all acts are authentic," he told Khaleej Times.
The most popular Far Eastern traditions are taking over the entertainment park, from dragon and lion dances; invoking good wishes and prosperous year ahead; to acrobats from the Chinese Circus, they are all going to entertain with their myriad of skills such as plate spinning, bicycle balancing and juggling.
There are also Kung Fu fighters demonstrating martial arts styles that have been developed over centuries, as well as traditional Chinese drummers and bright red heliospheres or paper lanterns that will take to the sky.
"The dragons and lions won't ride on the rollercoaster, but they will be seen throughout the park not just on New Year's, but until the end of the month," said Da Silva.
The Chinese New Year will be celebrated at Ferrari World not only on the day itself, but until February 28.
Added to the festivities are family activities, mostly face painting, Chinese arts and crafts and the all new children's play area - Junior Training Camp. Guests will also get the chance to customise and decorate their fortune cookies and cupcakes at the designated confectionary area.
"The Chinese New Year celebrations will start daily from 1pm and continue until 8pm. The shows, which last either 15 or 30 minutes, will run every hour from 1pm," explained Da Silva.
Till February 28, there is a special entry fee for UAE residents of Dh198, which includes rides, Chinese New Year shows and even restaurants. For non-residents, entry fee starts from Dh250.
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