Photo: maxx-m.com
Although many people call it “Chinese New Year”, the Lunar New Year is celebrated all across East Asia.
The celebration period ends on 17 February with the Lantern Festival. A selection of earlier celebrations is presented below.
Tet Festival
591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale, 26-27 January, Sat 26 Jan 10am-1am & Sun 27 Jan 10am-10pm
The Tet Festival is an early celebration of the New Year by the Vietnamese community. Bring your family to join in the festivities and learn more about the Vietnamese culture, and indulge in delicious traditional food only found during Tet. There are performances of Dragon dancing, fireworks, popular Vietnamese singers, competitions and many other fun activities.
For more information, visit www.tetfestival.com.au.
Fed Square
Saturday 28 January 10am-5pm
The Federation of Chinese Association (FCA) will host a variety of family friendly Chinese New Year activities at Federation Square including music, performances, and handicrafts. Enjoy traditional Chinese entertainment on the main stage all day and join in the fun and activities.
Southbank
1A Queensbridge Street, Southbank, Saturday 2 February 11am-8pm
Events include cultural performances by community groups, the Lion Dance, light installations, and cooking demonstrations by 2017 MasterChef winner Diana Chen.
Melbourne Chinatown
Little Bourke Street, Sunday 3 February 11am
The traditional centre of Lunar New Year celebration in Melbourne features the Big Dragon Dai Loong's weaving dance, Buddhist prayers, Dogs parade, Hawker stalls and cultural performances.
For details of all events, visit melbournechinesenewyear.com/festival-events.
Springvale
Springvale Shopping Precinct, Buckingham Ave, Springvale, Sunday 3 February 10am-10pm
Organised by the Springvale Asian Business Association (SABA), more than 80 market stalls will be on display, as well as a dazzling entertainment program that includes traditional lion dancing, firecrackers, children's rides and games, live band and a wide range of delicious Asian cuisines.
The event ends with a fireworks show at approximately 9pm.
Whitehorse
Box Hill Mall, Whitehorse Road, Saturday 2 February 11 am to 1 am Sunday 3 February.
Whitehorse City Council and the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse brings an exciting program of entertainment, with close to 80,000 people attending.
The showcase of Chinese culture includes the Parade of Choi Sun (Chinese God of Fortune) and a full entertainment program, including the China Oriental Performing Arts Group.
More program details will be updated closer to the event at www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Chinese-New-Year-Festival.html.
Meng S