Leaner New Year: China tones down the celebrations
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Boxes of firecrackers are displayed for sale at a store for Chinese New Year celebrations in Beijing on Thursday, Feb 7, 2013. Chinese New Year is traditionally a time for colourful and noisy displays of fireworks and generous-portioned banquets. This year, the festivities are likely to be a little more austere. -- PHOTO: AP
BEIJING (AP) - Chinese New Year is traditionally a time for colourful and noisy displays of fireworks and generous-portioned banquets. This year, the festivities are likely to be a little more austere.
Authorities have asked the public to set off fewer fireworks in Beijing to reduce pollution, a new anti-extravagance drive has prompted government officials and state-owned companies to cancel their banquets at high-end hotels and a campaign against food waste is leading to half-portions in restaurants.
Even ads for luxury goods were pulled ahead of Saturday's opening of the seven-day holiday.
All in all, China's Lunar New Year is shaping up to be a Leaner New Year.
