CHINESE New Year Celebrations may be more muted than usual in the homeland, due to the Coronavirus outbreak, but Tralee kicked off its own party yesterday on The Mall and the fun will continue until February 2.

There was a big screen set up in The Mall with the official countdown live from China via ‘Chūn Wǎn’ CCTV New Year Gala TV Show, followed by a fire display and the switching on of the traditional Chinese Lanterns, which are adorning the town centre and the Square.

Today (Saturday) will see a Red Envelope and Dumpling Day from 1pm to 2pm in the town Square. This will feature some traditional Chinese cooking and dumpling making with Chinese music and activities.

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In Chinese culture the colour Red symbolises energy, happiness and good luck, and on Red Envelope Day gifts and money are shared in these Red Envelopes to share even more happiness.

The aptly named ‘Rat Pack’ (as 2020 is the Year of the Rat) will be around Tralee handing out information on the festival and directing you to where you can get a red envelope.

Red Envelopes will be available from selected restaurants and cafes in Tralee with each purchase, as long as stock lasts. Each Red Envelope will contain something different, from big discounts in local shops, Tralee Shopping Vouchers and some will contain prizes from shops in Tralee town.

There’s loads more activities and events on the way next weekend so if you want to see the full programme, click here.