The Year of the Ox is shaping up to be a big one for Guild Wars players. As the Canthan New Year approaches, the ArenaNet team has released an outline of events, prizes, quests and other fun stuff. Check it out!

Put on your best red gear and prepare for a journey to Shing Jea Monastery, because it's time for the annual Canthan New Year's Festival. This year's beast of honor is the Celestial Ox, a divine bovine that will descend from the heavens to bestow good luck upon the populace for all of 2009-but only if the traditional New Year's feast is suitably delicious for such an illustrious guest.

The 2009 Canthan New Year's Festival begins at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) on Friday, January 30, 2009 and will run all weekend, ending at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) on Monday, February 2, 2009. On Sunday, February 1, the Celestial Ox will come down from the sky every three hours to sample Canthan delicacies in Shing Jea Monastery. Canthans living abroad won't be left out: Lion's Arch and Kamadan will also host smaller celebrations, complete with traditional New Year's decorations.

The feast culminates in dancing, fireworks, and a shower of gifts and special prizes for festival-goers, but only if the Ox is satisfied with the offering. Players can help ensure the Ox's blessing of good fortune by helping prepare dishes for the feast.

In addition to the great feast, players can explore the Shing Jea Boardwalk, encounter colorful NPCs who offer a variety of festival-themed quests, and visit the wandering Fortune Teller for a glimpse of their future destinies. Anyone who likes a good game of chance will enjoy the return of the Rollerbeetle Races, and those who are feeling slightly more combative can visit the Dragon Arena all weekend long for some all-out dodgeball action.

Mark your calendars and help the Ox ring in the New Year, Canthan-style!

Be sure to swing by next Friday and experience the Year of the Ox for yourself!