Chinese New Year 2025 in Lisbon: All About the Great Celebration of the Year of the Serpent
- Patrícia Rosas
- Feb 2
- 3 min read
The Chinese New Year is one of the most vibrant festivities in the world, and in Lisbon it could not be different! The city comes to life with traditional dances, colourful parades and an explosion of culture that transports visitors directly to China. This year, we celebrate the Year of the Serpent, a period marked by wisdom, strategy and intuition.
If you are in Lisbon or plan to visit during that date, stay with us, because we will tell you everything about where to go, what to do and how to make the most of this unforgettable experience!
What is the Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, follows the lunar calendar and marks one of the most important holidays in China. In 2025, the festivity began on January 29 and lasts for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival.
Each year is ruled by a Chinese zodiac animal, and 2025 is the Year of the Serpent. Considered a symbol of mystery and wisdom, the snake represents a time of introspection and personal transformation.
How does Lisbon celebrate the Chinese New Year?
Lisbon is home to a strong Chinese community, and the celebrations take place in style! The main activities are focussed on Alameda D. Afonso Henriques and Praça do Martim Moniz, points that become true festive scenarios.
Programming highlights:
Traditional parade with paper dragons and dancing lions (February 1, 3:00 pm);
Martial arts shows, including kung fu demonstrations (February 1, 5:00 pm);
Dragon Dance and Lion Dance, to attract prosperity (February 2, 2:30 pm);
Chinese handicraft and gastronomy fair (February 1 and 2, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm);
Fireworks show to illuminate the arrival of the new lunar year (February 2, 9:00 pm).
How to get to the event?
The main festivities take place at Alameda D. Afonso Henriques and Praça do Martim Moniz, both easily accessible:
By metro: The Red line takes you to Alameda and the Green line to Martim Moniz;
By bus: Several lines pass through the two locations, check on the Carris website;
On foot: If you are in the city centre, it is an excellent option to explore the festive atmosphere.
Where to eat during the celebrations?
If you want an authentic gastronomic experience, there are excellent Chinese restaurants in Lisbon. Here are some suggestions:
Traditional Restaurants:
The Old House - Authentic Sichuan cuisine.
Address: Rua Pimenta 9, Lisbon
Instagram: @theoldhousept
Grande Palácio Hong Kong - Hearty buffet of traditional dishes.
Endereço: Rua Pascoal de Melo 8, 1800-294 Lisboa
Facebook: Grande Palácio Hong Kong
Nova Paris - Famous for its Peking duck.
Address: Av. República 64a, 1050-197 Lisbon, Portugal
Instagram: @restaurante_nova_paris
Dicas exclusivas para aproveitares o evento
Arrive early to guarantee a good place in the parade and to explore the gastronomic fair without long queues.
It takes cash, as some exhibitors may not accept cards.
Dress in red, the colour of luck in Chinese culture!
Try the lucky sweets sold at the fair stalls.
Explore the Chinese neighbourhoods of Lisbon for an even more complete cultural immersion.
Where can I find more information?
For updates on programming and news, visit the following official websites:
Lisbon City Council: www.lisboa.pt
Chinese Embassy in Portugal: http://pt.china-embassy.gov.cn/pot/
Association of Luso-Chinese Merchants and Industrialists: https://ccilc.pt
Why is it worth living this experience?
The Chinese New Year in Lisbon is more than a party: it is a bridge between cultures, a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in millennial traditions without leaving the city. With dances, music, gastronomy and an incredible atmosphere, this celebration is an unmissable event for everyone!
And you, have you already celebrated the Chinese New Year in Lisbon? Tell us about your experience in the comments and share this article with those who also want to live this party!
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