Here at Pawtrait.ie we are very excited as 2018 is the Chinese Year of the Dog!
Celebrations for the Chinese New Year 2018 will take place across Dublin city from 16 February to 4 March 2018. This brilliant two-week festival will have heaps fun family events and lots of them have a doggo focus this year for obvious reasons. There will be traditional & contemporary Chinese activities including lion dances, opera, dragon parades, film, talks, calligraphy and children’s events. Not to mention delicious food workshops and tours.
We have picked some of the dog-focused events that we definitely don’t want to miss!
Rock Dog at The Light House Cinema, Mon 12th & Fri 16th Feb
When a radio falls from the sky into the hands of a wide-eyed Tibetan Mastiff Bodi, it takes just a few guitar licks for his fate to be sealed: he wants to be a rock’n’roll star. Based on a graphic novel by real-life Chinese rockstar Zheng Jun, ‘Rock Dog’ is an action-packed Korean/Chinese co-production, perfect for younger viewers.
Tall Tale at Smock Alley Theatre, Fri 16th & Sat 17th Feb
Sometimes life on the streets can be lonely but Here-Boy has his best friend for company. Tall Tail is a story about being found. A musical adventure with singing, storytelling and stargazing. For dog lovers young and old.
Dog Costume Art Workshop at The Tara Building, Sat 17th Feb
Become a gou 狗 (dog) at a special dog costume workshop! Make felt paws and floppy ears and have your face painted to complete your transformation!
Dog Life-Drawing Class at A4 Sounds, Thu 22nd & Fri 23rd Feb
Draw me like one of your Frenchies! Join Eimhin McNamara for a life-drawing class where the models for the class are a variety of doggos. Aspiring artists of all abilities welcomed.
Year of The Dog Tour at The National Gallery, Sun 25th Feb
Pop along to a specially-themed public tour celebrating dogs featured across the Gallery’s collection.
The Curious History Of Irish Dogs at The National Library of Ireland, Mon 26th & Wed 28th Feb
Join writer of The Curious History of Irish Dogs David Blake Knox as he discusses the nine breeds of dog native to Ireland and the unique roles that each have played in Irish history. David will be joined by Chinese artist Angela Wang, who will create live illustrations inspired by the talk.
The Spring Festival Fair at CHQ Building, Sat 24th & Sun 25th Feb
This family-friendly event is a jam-packed two-day programme to welcome the Year of the Dog with a host of canine-themed entertainment. Activities include Chinese calligraphy, Chinese dance, Chinese paper cutting, Chinese tea ceremonies, red-envelope workshops, ping pong, face painting, dog figure-making workshops and fairground rides. Adding to the carnival atmosphere will be a colourful dragon and lion dancers helping to capture the vibrant mood of a Chinese festival. Make sure to try some delicious traditional Chinese food on offer at the stalls.
To see the full programme of all events happening as part of the celebrations head over to the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival website. It’s packed full of events (including lots of delicious food tours & workshops) and a great way to launch into the Year of The Dog!
Yours Drooly,
Ruth
Follow my pack
@dublindoggos
