The first day of the Chinese New Year by the Chinese calendar falls on January 26, 2009 and is the Year of the Ox. 2009 is Year 4706 in the Chinese calendar.
The Chinese calendar has been in continuous use for centuries. It predates the International calendar in use at the present. Each year is also designated by one of 12 animals and this year is the Year of the Ox.
The Spring Festival, or China's Lunar New Year, is China's most important annual event for family reunions.
"I would like to wish the St. Maarten Chinese community all good health and may your families know happiness and be filled with peace, and may you realize your hopes and dreams in the New Year," Leader of Government Sarah Wescot-Williams (GIS) over the weekend.
