2025 is the Year of the Snake – How to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Dublin

2025 is the Year of the Snake – symbolising wisdom, transformation and resilience – and the East Asian community in Dublin will come together to celebrate from January 25 until February 2.

Gonchigkhand Byambaa, who is this year’s festival ambassador, said being invited to participate in the celebrations is “truly humbling”.

“The Lunar New Year, known as Tsagaan Sar, is the year’s most important celebration for Mongolians,” she said.

“It symbolises a fresh start as we embrace the New Year and humbly ask Mother Nature for prosperity and harmony.

“It is a time to reflect, prepare for the unknown, and seek blessings for all living beings.

“This year, we welcome the Year of the Snake, which embodies knowledge, beauty and kindness.

“Growing up, Tsagaan Sar was a magical time for me. On this special day, my family would pray to the eternal blue sky for a swift and warm spring.

“I remember waking up early, excited to get the gifts my mother had prepared and eagerly awaiting presents from my uncles and aunts.

“As the eldest of 14 siblings, my father welcomed all his brothers and sisters to honour and celebrate together.

“These gatherings were filled with warmth, respect and unforgettable moments,” she added.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain said Dublin Lunar New Year has celebrated Asian Culture for the past 17 years with an array of events for all ages.

“Through art, film, music and food, we can explore and experience different cultures offering an incredible opportunity to be part of something positive and exciting in our capital city,” she said.

Here are just some of the events taking place in the capital for the Dublin Lunar New Year Festival:

Film Screenings

• January 18 – Flowers of Shanghai at the Irish Film Institute
• February 1 – The Last Dance at Chester Beatty

Exhibitions

• January 25 to February 2 – Animals of the Japanese Zodiac in Miniature at Chester Beatty
• January 27 – Exhibition of Taiwanese Painter Chen Cheng-po at the Taipei Representative Office in Ireland
• January 25 to 31 – Auspicious Eight: Wood Snake Exhibition at Flux
• January 29 – The Albert Bender Exhibition Tour (Bilingual) at the National Museum of Ireland

Workshops & Activities

• January 25 – Snake Workshop at Dublin Zoo
• January 26 – Lunar New Year Papercutting Workshop for Adults at Chester Beatty
• January 26 – Let’s Get Creative Online Family Workshop at the National Gallery of Ireland
• January 30 – ‘Snake in the Glass’ Cocktail Making Class at J.T. Pim’s

Performances

• January 29 – Musical Performance on Koto and Shakuhachi at Chester Beatty
• February 2 – Sam Lee International Martial Arts Academy at Meeting House Square
• February 2 – Lion and Dragon Dancing at Meeting House Square
• February 2 – Samul Nori Drummers at Meeting House Square

Food & Dining

• February 1 – ‘Chinese Whispers’ Afternoon Tea Experience at Bewley’s Café
• February 2 – Asian Food Stalls at Meeting House Square (Seoul Kitchen & Bahay)
• February 6 – A Spectacular Banquet at Good World Restaurant
• February 9 – Drury Street Lunar New Year Carnival at Asia Market

Comedy & Entertainment

• February 2 – Stand-up Comedy at the International Bar