Chinese New Year, Ayutthaya, Thailand – January 2020

Lit up Chinese dragon at Chinese New Year celebrations in Ayutthaya, Thailand

As night fell, crowds gathered to celebrate Chinese New Year in Ayutthaya. Red lanterns swung overhead and stalls lined the streets. Dumplings, spring rolls and pastries were piled high and meaty skewers sizzled on a grill. Our personal favourites were freshly fried Chinese doughnuts dipped in condensed milk.

On the main stage, children in silk dresses delicately waved fans as they danced. Fireworks exploded overhead and street entertainers in outlandish costumes posed for selfies. Giant lanterns decorated with Chinese writing, dragons and liberal sprinklings of glitter were displayed along the street. They were all entries in a lantern competition, the winners marked with rosettes.

A Chinese dragon appeared, metres of red and gold with flashing lights and glowing eyes. It weaved through the throngs as revellers gathered to put money in the dragon's mouth, ensuring good luck for the coming year.

In Ayutthaya, Chinese New Year is celebrated on Naresuan Road near Chao Phrom market. Wear red for extra luck.

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