Celebrating Chinese New Year in Australia

Chinese New Year 2010, the Year of the Tiger, begins on 14th February. (although celebrations kick off a few days before!)

Australia has a huge Chinese population. Historically a big influx of Chinese people occurred with the 'gold rush' in the 1850-1860's, when large deposits of gold were found in Victoria, and thousands of Chinese came to seek their fortunes prospecting for the precious metal.

Even more have come in the last 50 years as construction workers and economic migrants. There are large and vibrant 'Chinatowns' in most of the major Australian cities - specifically Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The main Australian celebrations for Chinese New Year 2010 include:

Sydney

1. Launch celebration in Belmore Park - Friday 12th Feb
2. Day and night Asian markets at Belmore Park - 12th - 14th Feb
3. Twilight Parade from Town Hall to Chinatown - Sunday 21st Feb
4. Chinese New Year fireworks display at Darling Harbour - Sunday 21st Feb
5. Dragon Boat Awakening ceremony and races at Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour - 27th - 28th Feb
   

For further info on all the Chinese New Year festivities happening in NSW click here

Melbourne

1. The Millenium Dragon parade through the streets of Melbourne's Chinatown - 14th Feb
2. Hong de Lion dance and Lalor Cultural Performances on May Road - 20th Feb
3. Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival in Glen Waverley - 28th Feb

Brisbane

1. Chinese New Year festivals, dances, markets and parades at Fortitude Valley - 12th - 14th Feb

My own personal favourite memories of Chinese New Year, whilst living in Sydney, was definately seeing the Dragon Boat Races at Darling Harbour - great fun to watch although the competitors take it deadly seriously...