Tuscany is ready to welcome the Year of the Snake, a symbol of transformation, wisdom, and resilience in Chinese astrology. From January 31 onward, Florence and Prato will host a variety of events to celebrate the Chinese New Year, culminating in the spectacular dragon parade and lion dance on February 8 and 9.
Celebrations in Florence
In Florence, Via Sant’Antonino will be the center of the festivities on Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The program includes traditional children’s games, special New Year delicacies, and Chinese arts. Visitors can take part in various activities along the street, such as writing traditional couplets at Sig. Riso Restaurant, playing the ancient “arrow-throwing into a vase” game at Il Capitano Chinese Restaurant, and solving lantern riddles at the Supermercato della Fortuna.
Just Tea Bubble Tea will offer an introduction to Chinese incense art, Pho Fi will host creative workshops, and Felicità Asia Supermarket will feature a fortune ticket draw. The event concludes with a celebratory cocktail at the Fratelli Zanobini wine shop, promoting cultural integration.
Celebrations in Prato
Prato, home to Italy’s largest Chinese community, has created the brand “Chinese New Year Prato” to enhance the event’s cultural and tourism potential. The festivities will reach their peak with the grand dragon parade and lion dance on February 8 and 9.
Culinary and Cultural Experiences
A unique food challenge, “Miantao vs. Spaghetti,” will take place on February 5 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the F. Datini Hospitality School. Students will prepare traditional Chinese and Italian dishes in a friendly competition, with free entry and reservations available on the school’s website.
On February 8 and 9, visitors can experience an authentic Chinese breakfast with chopsticks, organized by Jada Bai at the Xiao Meng Lou restaurant (Via A. Marini 1). On February 8, two street food tours (at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM) will take guests through the Macrolotto district to explore regional Chinese cuisines, guided by sinologists and cultural mediators.
Artistic and Cultural Events
On February 7 at 5:30 PM, the “Telling Our Stories in the History of the Dragon New Year” event will take place in Via delle Segherie, featuring an artistic installation by Gisella Curti and Andrea Abati, inviting the community to share cultural experiences.
A photography exhibition, Xiuxi: At Ease! China from 1980-1984, by Andrea Cavazzuti, will be on display at the medieval Cassero from January 31 to February 9. The collection of 76 black-and-white images captures China’s transition during Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms.
Film screenings at Cinema Terminale include Return to Dust (February 7, 6:30 PM) and Only the River Flows (February 8, 3:00 PM), in collaboration with Mabuse Cineclub.
A two-day photography workshop will be offered by FuoriCampo, in collaboration with photographers Massimiliano Faralli, Andrea Foligni, and Simone Ridi. For details, contact via WhatsApp at 3516241222.
On February 9 at 5:00 PM, Lanarchico will open its artist residency in Via Guido Monaco, featuring works by Cai Yutong, Du Haoyang, Xiao Ying, Yang Yuhao, Zhang Chongyan, and Zao Meici. The residency will culminate in a final exhibition on February 15.
Visitors can also take part in guided tours of the PuHuaSi Buddhist Temple on February 8 and 9, offering insight into Prato’s Chinese community and its spiritual traditions.
Dragon Parade and Lion Dance
The highlight of the celebrations is the grand dragon parade and lion dance, organized by the Buddhist Association of the Chinese Community in Italy. On February 8, the parade will take place in the industrial areas of Macrolotto 1 and 2 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a route covering Via Toscana, Via del Molinuzzo, Via Traversa il Crocifisso, and other key streets.
On February 9, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, the parade will move through Macrolotto Zero and Prato’s historic center, passing landmarks such as Piazza della Gualchierina, Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, Via Porta al Serraglio, and Piazza San Domenico.
Tea Ceremony and Music Performance
On February 9, the Teatro Metastasio will host The Seven Steps of Tea, an immersive tea ceremony experience with live guqin music, organized by Zente in collaboration with Mindful Peace International. Participants will sit on cushions in a traditional Chinese setting to observe the intricate rituals of tea preparation.
At 7:00 PM on February 8, the Dong Xun ensemble, composed of eight Chinese musicians, will perform at the Cicognini National Boarding School Theatre, showcasing traditional Chinese instruments and elegant hanfu attire.
Cultural Tours and Museum Exhibitions
The Landladies Concierge ETS is offering themed tours exploring Prato’s rich cultural heritage, including “Prato: A City of Art, Merchants, and Biscuits” and “Prato: An Open-Air Contemporary Art Museum.”
From February 7 to 9, visitors can explore a special art installation in Via delle Segherie, reflecting on the blending of cultures in Prato’s evolving urban landscape.
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