Chinese New Year is always a great event in the Chinese communities around the world and, without a doubt, a very great event right here in Miri. So, this is my second blog about Chinese New Year and I don’t think it will be my last.

One of the things I like to do as the festival gets nearer is to go around and take photos of the decorations in the streets, hotels and shops. There is a great vibe of excitement in the air as you get your house cleaned, buy new clothes, buy, give and eat mandarin oranges, put up your Chinese Lanterns and Chinese New Year decorations and display your New Year cards.

There will be a large reunion dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve for all who can make the trip home. With delicious food such as Roast Duck, and everyone catching up with the rest of the family’s news, it is, indeed, a great occasion as some members travel from far and wide to get home.
This year is the Chinese New Year of the Fire Monkey and the first day was on 8th February. Most schools here have a week off and some even more. Everyone has their minds set on visiting and wishing each other Gong Xi Fa Cai, (Wishing You Prosperity) the unmarried and young receive ‘Ang Pau’, little red packets of money.