.
In a recent blog post I suggested that you visit one
of the various Chinese New Year parades this February. Chinese New Year was
last Thursday and, following my own advice, I took to the streets of Paris with
thousands of others to join the celebrations. The biggest of the parades is at
Place d’Italie, an area with a large Chinese population, that is home to Asian
food markets and more Asian restaurants than anyone could ever desire. Given
the presence of Chinese culture in this area throughout the year, I was sure
that this area would be alive for the New Year festivities and was not
disappointed.
Crowds fill the banner-lined Avenue
d’Italie
During the course of the afternoon, a stream of flag
bearers in traditional dress, dancing dragons, musicians and floats moved
through the streets to a soundtrack of fire crackers and flutes. As with any
parade, the view for the crowd was limited; many a photographer could be
seen climbing higher for a better vantage point (post vans, lamp posts, benches
and public toilets all took on new roles for the day) and the best view was
undoubtedly that enjoyed by those on the balconies above the streets.
Nevertheless the atmosphere was truly spectacular and with the blue skies and
the delicious smells of Asian cuisine it was easy to forget the cold Parisian
winter and spend the afternoon in a different world entirely.
One of many beautifully crafted Chinese
Dragons
Standing in the crowds at the parade, I was reminded
of another time in recent weeks that I have been amongst thousands in the
streets of Paris; the protest on Sunday 11th January after the
terrible events of the week before. Here we were rallying in the name of
freedom of expression and for a Paris in which different cultures can exist
side by side. While I am aware that the Chinese culture was not one that was
affected by what happened, I could not help but appreciate the sheer volume of
people who came to celebrate an occasion that is not in the western calendar
and the bold brilliance of the celebration itself. It served, for me, as a
testimony to the many different faces of Paris, the many cultures who share the
city and their ability, and willingness, to do so.
And so with much color and noise, Paris reminds us once
more that it is capable of far more than romantic bistros and
famous architecture.
新年快乐
… or Happy New Year!
And for those wandering exactly what the Year of the Goat entails:
http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/goat.asp