Our Blogs & Insights

Festival Vibes in the UK: How the ESEA Community Celebrates Culture Together

When it comes to parties, the ESEA community in the UK brings a unique mix of custom, energy, and national pride. For East and Southeast Asian groups across the country – from London to Birmingham, Manchester, and beyond – these events go beyond just marking times on a calendar. They’re about reconnecting with history, making shared culture events, and building neighborhood ties. Whether you’re British Born Chinese, or part of a South Asian social group, the variety of the ESEA community comes through every event.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest ESEA cultural events in the UK and how you can join in on the festival vibes.
 

Lunar New Year: Welcoming the New Year Together

Lunar New Year is the biggest traditional event for the ESEA community, bringing families and friends together to welcome a fresh start. Customs include cleaning homes, to get rid of the old, and in with the new. Families gather for meals, which often are elaborate with endless plates of food on the table. People exchange red packets - from older relatives to young unmarried ones. In all Chinatowns around the world, celebrations take place - from Lion Dancing, to Martial Arts performances. It's a time for the British Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and other Asian groups to meet, share customs, and bring a bit of home in the Western cities that they live. 

Lantern Festival: Light, Unity, and Community

The Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year, and for many, it’s the festival’s most exciting night. Across East Asian communities in the UK, lantern events are planned in local parks, community halls, and meeting spots, lighting up the night with bright colours and providing a sense of unity among the ESEA community. It’s a memorable experience to see a sea of lights representing hope, dreams, and togetherness enjoyed by Chinese, Japanese, and Korean groups alike. For those looking to experience the beauty of this custom, the Lantern Festival is the perfect place to make new connections and engage yourself in ESEA culture.

Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrating the Moon and Heritage

Mid-Autumn Festival usually occurs on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Lunar calendar. On this day, it is believed the moon is the fullest and brightest, coinciding with the time of year to harvest. Although a Chinese festival, neighboring countries have similar festivals. Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is usually celebrated by eating mooncake - a thick pastry cake with various fillings - from duck egg to taro. The celebration usually takes the form of a family gathering for a meal, showing gratitude for the harvest, and praying for desired wants, such as a spouse, fortune, or a good future.

Dragon Boat Festival: Racing and Remembrance

Dragon Boat, also known as Double Fifth Holiday, is a traditional Chinese holiday that celebrates the life of Qu Yuan. He was a famous historical figure who protested against imperial corruption. On this day, cities with a sizable Asian population will host Dragon Boat racing. Professional and corporate teams will race against each other. Usually, as the competition advances, winning teams race against each other until there is a winner. Besides watching or participating in the race, families will eat dong zi (rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves), and some follow other practices, including giving children 5 threads of silk for good luck.

Finding Your Place in the ESEA Community

Finding community events is usually done through word of mouth. Follow your local Chinatown organization, and stay connected to cultural organizations on Instagram. Maccha aims to be the one-stop shop for your source of ESEA cultural events. We bring together the ESEA community and help businesses promote cultural events. These events and meetings celebrate the variety and power of East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures in the UK, giving everyone a place to connect, share, and enjoy. If you’re looking to strengthen your relationship to your roots or meet new people, try the Maccha community app. Find these events in one click, or find the latest update in our forum. See you there!