If you thought you only had one chance to ring in 2010, then you've clearly never been to Chinese New Year celebrations.
The traditional Chinese year runs according to the
lunar calendar (as opposed to the Western solar calendar), and this year the Lunar New Year falls on the 14th February. The Chinese also follow a
12-year animal zodiac, with 2010 being the year of the tiger.
Traditionally, Chinese New Year is one of the celebrated events in China, with fireworks, festivities and food being the custom to wish for good luck in the coming year. Each year,
China Town in Melbourne also has its own
Chinese New Year celebrations which includes a colourful and rhythmic dragon parade to attract crowds. Located on Little Bourke Street, it's an easy walk down from Melbourne Central station with street parking also available.
This year the festivities will begin on Saturday 13th February from 5pm till 1am and then continue on Sunday the 14th from 10am to 8pm. There will be plenty to see from Chinese opera singing to dance and calligraphy. You can also test your singing abilities at the karaoke competition which will be held from 8.30pm on the 13th.
No New Year's celebration would be complete without food, and stalls will be set up along the street offering traditional
Chinese food and snacks. There are also plenty of places to catch a bite in China Town, whether it's cheap and quick dumplings or a seafood banquet you're after.
The Chinese believe that loud noise are needed to scare away evil spirits, and at midnight on Saturday firecrackers will be lit and drums beaten. Join in the festivities and don't forget to touch the dragon to ensure fortune and luck come your way this year.
