Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is considered China’s most important traditional festival.

Celebrated around the world in countries with significant Chinese populations, it has also become a tradition in Bermuda.

“Chinese New Year is important to us because we are an Asian fusion restaurant and we are aware of the multiple cultures and the significance of the important holidays within those cultures,” Chopsticks Fusion general manager Kara Simmons told The Royal Gazette.

“We do try to do things because food — across the world — is a way to celebrate anything. So for us to have a Chinese New Year menu year in and year out has become a staple.”

Chinese New Year is considered the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. It often involves public celebrations with fireworks and private family feasts.

This year, the first day falls on Saturday, and celebrations traditionally run until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month.

Over the past three decades, the celebrations have also become a tradition for Chopsticks. Starting today, the restaurant will be offering a special menu in honour of the Year of the Rooster. Ms Simmons said: “It’s something people look forward to to bring their families to. And it just brings so much light to the diversity of the cultures.”

Staff have also prepared a pamphlet with information about the Year of the Rooster.

“If you a spiritual person, if you enjoy stuff like that and astrology, it’s something unique in the Chinese culture that you can bring into the Western world, the Bermudian culture,” Ms Simmons said. “When you come in during this week, there’s a feeling that comes over you. Not everyone that comes in knows about it, but once they leave, they do and they can feel the Chinese New Year.”

Head chef Boyet Katigbak added: “I think it’s a treat for everybody. It’s very special to me because it’s my first year of handling this restaurant.”

“We have five chefs and they are all Asians,” he said, adding that this was another reason why the event is special to him.

The special menu, a team effort, features several dishes inspired by the rooster. Consisting of four courses, it will be available until February 1.

Pam Quarterly, of Bermuda Restaurants Limited, said: “It’s an opportunity to taste something totally different.

“For example, if it’s a party of four, they’ll cook four portions of each dish on one presentation.”

And Ms Simmons added: “It’s family style so you share, which is unique to the Asian culture.

“It’s a great way to experience real Chinese food because sometimes we fall into Chinese American food. Boyet and his team have definitely pushed the envelope with this menu.”

People are encouraged to make reservations by calling 292-0791.