The Asian Business Association of Whitehorse in conjunction with Council will host one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations in Melbourne on Saturday 13 February 2010. Festivities will be held from 1pm through to 3am in the Box Hill mall precinct.
The Chinese New Year traditionally brings people together to rejoice and celebrate the coming of a new lunar year and to promote harmony and prosperity. In 2010, we welcome in the Year of the Tiger, which symbolises courage, optimism, and passion.
In Box Hill there will be activities and entertainment taking place throughout the mall among its distinctive mix of shops and restaurants. More than 100 merchandise and food stalls will provide mementos and unique flavours to enjoy. Choi Sun representing the Chinese God of Financial Fortune will make appearances and a variety of amusement rides will operate throughout the night.
The official opening ceremony will begin at 6pm as crowds gather to take in the excitement of drums, dragons and lions in the lead up to the midnight New Year countdown on the main stage. The lion and dragon dancers are highly symbolic to the festival and will weave their way through the crowds. It is believed that the powerful movements of the dancers, together with the noise of drumming and cymbals scare away bad spirits for the New Year – so make sure you don’t miss this amazing experience.
Save the date for the Chinese New Year Festival and look forward to a thrilling cultural experience.
See www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Chinese-New-Year-Celebrations.html for more info.
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