For the past two years, the celebration could not take place due to the Corona crisis. The New Year’s wish of the Mayor Jan van Zanen in 2021, that this beautiful cultural event would take place again in the City Hall after the Corona crisis is hereby fulfilled. Due to the short time frame, the Corona traveling restrictions and the many geo-economic vicissitudes, it was uncertain whether it would be to continue. Against all expectations, all stakeholders fortunately decided to organize this international event again in the City-Hall of The Hague.
The Chinese New Year in The Hague has a long tradition. In 2002, the municipality of The Hague signed an agreement with the Chinese community, the LFCON and the embassy stating that the “National Chinese New Year Celebration (CNY)” would be held in The Hague from that year onwards.
The New Year festivities take place in the City Hall but also in the Chinatown of The Hague, with street parades on the Plein and in the city center of The Hague.
The Chinese New Year celebration in The Hague is a special event. It distinguishes itself from the New Year’s celebrations in the other major cities due to its size, the program, and unique collaboration with the municipality of The Hague. It is characteristic that young and old, both internationally and nationally, including the residents of The Hague, actively participate. It provides The Hague with a unique platform in the Netherlands, in which mutual culture, knowledge exchange and common values are the central focus.
The year of 2023 is the “Year of The Rabbit”. The overall organization on the Chinese side is in the hands of the Foundation for Chinese Cultural Events Netherlands (CCEN) and the annually elected committee of the “Year of the Rabbit”
The Netherlands China Association (VNC) coordinates and assists the CCEN on behalf of the municipality of The Hague with application procedures, activities, and communication. The VNC is an independent and non-subsidized Dutch organization which exists over 45 years and is one of the largest organizations in the Netherlands in this context. The VNC publishes the periodic cultural magazine “ChinaNu”.
Chairman National Chinese New Year Celebration 2023
Ms. Sujie Chi is an experienced entrepreneur. After finishing her study at the university, she came to the Netherlands. She and her husband have lived in The Netherlands for almost 30 years. Sujie Chi has been officially elected as the chairman of the committee for the 2023 National Chinese New Year Celebration. In addition to her entrepreneurship, she is also active as the chairman of the Wenzhou Overseas Association Foundation, which works for compatriots from this region. The Foundation supports major events and has also sponsored the Winter Olympic Games.
Sujie Chi introduced her committee in the City hall of The Hague and discussed the plans for the festivities. Without doubt it is going to be another great program again with wonderful performances of Dutch and Chinese top artists and cultural groups.
The Chinese New Year celebration in The Hague has become an important international celebration where family and friends gather to ring in the New Year. A wonderful celebration for everyone, said Sujie Chi.
Date: Saturday, January 21, 2023
Location: City Hall The Hague, Spui 70, 2500 DD The Hague
Start: Procession 10:30 am
Program City Hall: 11:30 am to 4:00 pm (admission free)