Chinese New Year 2014 guide

GIDDY UP for the year of the horse as we take a look at the Chinese New Year celebrations planned all across Melbourne. By Rachel Furolo.

Photo: Vikas Nambiar

Vibrant colours, Chinese entertainment, food and the quintessential dancing lion will be serving up a taste of home all over Melbourne on 2 February in celebration of Chinese New Year.

Speaking to President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Vincent Chow, we also found out that this year’s city lineup will boast traditional music and children’s dancing along with a jam packed list of sights and sounds.

“There will be a full day program from opening ceremony at 10 in the morning till 10 at night.

“The festival will feature four members from the ShaoLin Cultural Centre in Henan Province to perform three martial arts demonstrations throughout the day. The very popular New Year Dragon Parade will return and there will be continuous Lion and Dragon dance throughout the day.”

Mr Chow wasn’t giving up any other secrets, so you’ll just have to head down to Russell Street to see what’s in store.

Chinatown will be the focal point of Melbourne’s celebrations, but if you don’t feel like fighting crowds, you can head to the suburbs and ring in the new year at these smaller scale festivities:

• Box Hill – Market Street and Main Street – 1 and 2 Feb between 10am-9pm
• Glen Waverley – Kingsway – 9 Feb between 11am-9pm
• Footscray – Hopkins Street – 2 Feb between 10am 10am-10pm
• Wonderland Fun Park, Docklands – Harbour Town, Dockland Drive – 1 and 2 Feb between 11am-6pm