The Lunar New Year begins tomorrow, Saturday 10 February – ushering in the year of the Wood Dragon.
Lunar New Year is observed around the world, and marks the first new moon of the Lunar calendar. The tradition serves as a time for gathering with family and friends to welcome the new, bid farewell to the old, and encourage a year of good fortune and prosperity.
According to the South China Morning Post, the Wood Dragon year is “believed to foster growth, progress and abundance”, and to “be good to build a solid foundation for something new with long-term potential”. In the last Wood Dragon year, 1964, the US Civil Rights Act was signed, the Beatles changed pop music, and Russia launched the first two-person space flight.
To celebrate the lunar new year, an all-day family-friendly street party will be held in Dickson’s Woolley Street, from 11am to 11pm on Saturday.
“Canberra will welcome the Year of the Dragon with a celebration of music, dance, culture, and community,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
“Dickson will come to life with music, dance, and colour this Saturday. There will be something for everyone with a program of entertainment and activities that exhibits the rich multiculturalism of Dickson and the Canberra community…
“I encourage Canberrans, visitors, and their families to join the festivities of Lunar New Year in Dickson.”
The City Renewal Authority will close a larger section of Woolley Street, and expand the event area after more than 7,000 people attended the Dickson Lunar New Year event in 2023.
Around 200 performers will take the stage over this year’s 12-hour entertainment program. Highlights include a performance of ‘The Story of the Zodiac’ – specifically curated for the event, and featuring more than 100 participants – as well as routines from Canberra Prosperous Mountain Dragon and Lion Dance, traditional performances by the Federation of Chinese Association, K-Pop dancers, and roving Kung Fu demonstrations. Kids and families can also enjoy dance, balloon, and calligraphy workshops throughout the day.
A three-metre-tall wooden dragon sculpture, designed by Canberra’s KOITOYA studio, has been unveiled in the refurbished central plaza of Woolley Street.
The Dickson Lunar New Year celebrations feature entertainment, food stalls, and activities. The full entertainment program and more information about the event is available on the City Renewal Authority website: cityrenewal.act.gov.au.
“As a free and low-cost activity, the event encourages people to shop, eat, get out and about, and enjoy themselves,” Mr Barr said. “Attendees of the Dickson Lunar New Year celebration can immerse themselves in Asian cultures and discover a new experience.
“The upgrades completed on Woolley Street by the City Renewal Authority have helped develop Dickson as a dining destination and cultural centre. There are further improvements on the way with business and community consultation to begin soon for upgrades at the Dickson shops.”
