The Canthan New Year’s Festival event begins at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) on Friday, February 8, 2008 and will run all weekend, ending at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) on Monday, February 11, 2008. On Sunday, February 10, the Celestial Rat will drop from the sky into Shing Jea Monastery every three hours to sample Canthan delicacies. The feast culminates in dancing, fireworks, and the showering of the populace with gifts...but only if the celestial enjoys its meal.

While the bulk of the Canthan New Year’s Festival, including the celestial feast, takes place in Shing Jea, Canthans living abroad have taken their customs with them as well. So expect Lion’s Arch and Kamadan to host smaller celebrations, complete with traditional New Year’s decorations.

You must, however, journey to Shing Jea Monastery if you want to dance the night away in your festival mask and have the chance to receive a special prize should every course of the celestial’s meal be completed to perfection.

In addition to the great feast, look for a variety of festival-themed quests available from colorful NPCs, and don’t forget to have your fortune read by the Fortune Teller wandering Shing Jea during the festival. If you’re feeling up to a trip to the race track, you won’t want to miss the return of the Rollerbeetle Races. This PvP mini-game is sure to get your heart, and your rollerbeetle, racing. For those who enjoy a more visceral action, the Dragon Arena will also be open all weekend long.