By Staff Reporter

Once again Dublin will transform for two weeks into a city of carnivals, culture, celebration and Chinese dragons as the Chinese community welcomes the Year of the Monkey.

The ninth year of Dublin Chinese New Year Festival from 6-21 February is set to be the biggest one ever, showcasing the very best of Chinese culture in Dublin – with some performers even flying all the way from China to give Dubliners a real of taste of Chinese traditions.

Kicking off the festival on 6 and 7 February will be the Spring Festival Carnival Experience in the chq Building on Custom House Quay, with everything from fireworks to lantern making and tea tasting to cookery demonstrations.

Throughout the fortnight the Chester Beatty Library will be a hub of activity including painting workshops with Dutch-Chinese artist Hoi-Shan Mak.

Those hoping to learn more about Chinese culture can dip their toes into the Asian country’s traditions with a lecture from the Trinity College Dublin Asian Studies department on historical and contemporary Chinese topics.

Asia Market will provide a taste of China with cookery demonstrations and food stalls, as well as a guided tour of its Drury Street supermarket.

And for those that want to find the very best in authentic Chinese cuisine in Dublin’s Chinatown, the Le Cool Chinese Experience Walking Tour will lead you through the vibrant Chinese community in Dublin and help discover the impact the community has made on the face of the capital.

“From food to business, the festival offers Dubliners the chance to discover, experience and celebrate the magnificent traditions of Chinese culture in our city,” said Dublin Lord Mayor of Dublin Críona Ní Dhálaigh. “I would like to thank Dublin City Council for their continued support of the festival and look forward to the city enjoying the celebrations together as we enter the Year of the Monkey.”

For the full programme of events for the 2016 Dublin Chinese New Year Festival, visit  dublinchinesenewyear.com.