Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi’s vibrant destination, is gearing up to celebrate Chinese New Year in style. This article serves as your ultimate guide to the festivities, highlighting traditional performances, engaging activities, delectable cuisine, and luxurious accommodations. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture and excitement of the Year of the Dragon celebration!
Live Performances: Revel in Traditional Chinese Entertainment
- Chinese Hand Drummers: Experience traditional Chinese hand drummers’ rhythmic beats and mesmerizing melodies as they captivate audiences with skillful performances.
- Mask Changers: Be enchanted by the mysterious art of mask changing, a centuries-old tradition that showcases quick transformations and skillful movements, leaving spectators in awe.
- Lion Dancers: Witness the grace and agility of lion dancers as they perform intricate routines symbolizing luck, prosperity, and warding off evil spirits—a sight not to be missed during Chinese New Year celebrations.
- Spring Festival Performers: Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with vibrant performances by Spring Festival artists featuring traditional music, dance, and theatrical displays that celebrate the essence of Chinese culture.
Roaming Mascots: Meet and Greet with Fortune and Fun
- Fortune Mascots: Encounter adorable fortune mascots spreading joy and prosperity as they roam through the South Plaza, interacting with guests and spreading good fortune for the upcoming year.
- Stilt Walkers: Marvel at the whimsical stilt walkers as they navigate through the crowds, towering above with grace and charm, adding an element of whimsy to the festivities.
Arts & Crafts: Engage in Creative Cultural Activities
- Chinese Calligraphy: Discover the art of Chinese calligraphy and try creating beautiful characters using brush and ink, guided by skilled calligraphers who share insights into this revered tradition.
- Traditional Paper Cutting: Delve into the intricate world of traditional paper cutting, where delicate designs come to life under artisans’ expert hands, offering a glimpse into China’s rich artistic heritage.
- Peking Opera Mask Art: Unleash your creativity with Peking Opera mask art. This symbolic art form allows you to design and decorate masks inspired by characters from traditional Chinese opera.
- Lantern Making: Embrace the festive spirit by crafting your lantern, adorned with auspicious symbols and vibrant colors, symbolizing hope, prosperity, and good fortune for the year ahead.
- Face Painting: Transform into a work of art with traditional Chinese face painting, featuring intricate designs and vibrant colors that evoke the spirit of celebration and joy.
Food & Beverage: Savor Authentic Flavors and Culinary Delights
- Authentic Street Food: Treat your taste buds to a culinary journey with an array of authentic street food, from savory dim sum and crispy Peking duck rolls to steaming hot baos bursting with flavor and aroma.
- Michelin Guide Restaurants: Indulge in exquisite dining experiences at Michelin Guide-selected restaurants, such as Kopitiam by Chandy’s and the renowned BaoFriend, where innovative culinary creations and impeccable service await.
- Fine Dining at Rosewood Hotel: Elevate your dining experience at the Rosewood Hotel’s Dai Pai Dong, where each dish is a masterpiece crafted with precision and passion, offering a symphony of flavors that tantalize the senses.
Stay: Experience Luxury Accommodations
- Four Seasons Hotel: Immerse yourself in 5-star luxury at the Four Seasons Hotel and take advantage of exclusive offers during Chinese New Year, including the ‘Feel the Beat’ promotion, designed to enhance your stay on Al Maryah Island.
| TIMING | FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY | ||||
| 16 FEBRUARY | 16 FEBRUARY | 17 FEBRUARY | 17 FEBRUARY | TIMING | 18 FEBRUARY | 18 FEBRUARY | |
| ON STAGE | ROVING | ON STAGE | ROVING | ON STAGE | ROVING | ||
| Prayer – 3:49PM | Prayer – 3:49PM | Prayer – 3:49PM | Prayer – 3:49PM | ||||
| 4:00pm | 5PM – OPENING CEREMONY Chinese Drummers & Stunt Lion Performance | Stunt Lion Performance | Chinese Mascots | 1:00pm | |||
| 4:30pm | Chinese Mascots | Spring Festival Dance | Balloon Artist | 1:30pm | Chinese Mascots | ||
| 5:00pm | Balloon Artist | Chinese Umbrella Dance | 2:00pm | Balloon Artist | |||
| 5:30pm | Ribbon Dance | Stilt Walkers | Mask Changer | Mask Changer (Photo Op) | 2:30pm | Chinese Mascots | |
| Prayer – 6:13PM | Prayer – 6:13PM | Prayer – 6:13PM | Prayer – 6:13PM | 3:00pm | Stilt Walkers | ||
| 6:15pm | Mask Changer | Mask Changer (Photo Op) | Ribbon Dance | Stilt Walkers | 3:30pm | Prayer – 3:49PM | Prayer – 3:49PM |
| 6:30pm | Spring Festival Dance | Balloon Artist | Chinese Drummers | Balloon Artist | 4:00pm | Stunt Lion Performance | Balloon Artist |
| 7:00pm | Chinese Umbrella Dance | Chinese Mascots | Stunt Lion Performance | Chinese Mascots | 4:30pm | Chinese Mascot | |
| 7:30pm | Stunt Lion Performance | Balloon Artist | Spring Festival Dance | Balloon Artist | 5:00pm | Mask Changer | Mask Changer (Photo Op) |
| Prayer – 7:43PM | Prayer – 7:43PM | Prayer – 7:43PM | Prayer – 7:43PM | 5:30pm | Balloon Artist | ||
| 7:45pm | Spring Festival Dance | Mask Changer (Photo Op) | Mask Changer | Mask Changer (Photo Op) | 6:00pm | Prayer – 6:13PM | Prayer – 6:13PM |
| 8:00pm | Chinese Drummers | Stilt Walkers | Chinese Umbrella Dance | Stilt Walkers | 6:30pm | Chinese Umbrella Dance | Stilt Walkers |
| 8:30pm | Chinese Umbrella Dance | Balloon Artist | Ribbon Dance | Balloon Artist | 7:00pm | Balloon Artist | |
| 9:00pm | Mask Changer | Chinese Drummers | 7:30pm | Chinese Drummers | Stilt Walkers & Chinese Mascots | ||
| 9:30pm | Ribbon Dance | Stilt Walkers & Chinese Mascots | Stilt Walkers & Chinese Mascots | 8:00pm | |||
Conclusion:
Celebrate Chinese New Year in grand style on Al Maryah Island, where traditional performances, engaging activities, delectable cuisine, and luxurious accommodations await. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and festivities of the Year of the Dragon, creating unforgettable memories with family and friends. Join us for a celebration like no other and welcome prosperity and good fortune in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
