Lunar New Year is the most important celebration on the Chinese calendar and celebrations also occur in other East Asian countries such as Vietnam and South Korea. This year, China welcomes the Year of the Rabbit while Vietnam welcomes the Year of the Water Cat.
It is a time to forget the bad luck of the past year and celebrate the new. Red is an important part of the traditions as it is considered a colour of luck – along with gold.
So put on your favourite red shoes, dress or shirt and check out one of the many events happening around the capital this Lunar New Year.
Kids in the Kitchen: A special Lunar New Year workshop sees children get hands-on to make sushi rolls and bánh mì in different sessions at Canberra Centre, 18 January 11.30 am; eventbrite.com.au
Ikea Dining Experience: A three-course set menu to ring in the Year of the Rabbit, Ikea Canberra, 20 January 5.30pm; ikea.com
Dickson Lunar Celebration: Welcome in the Lunar New Year with food stalls, a stage jampacked with talented artists, roving performers, lion dances, and the unveiling of the Zodiac Rabbit sculpture, Woolley St, Dickson, 21 January 1pm.
Sakyamuni Buddhist Centre: Celebrate the Lunar New Year of The Water Cat with delicious vegetarian stalls, dinner, folk games, cultural performances, and New Year Gifts at the community and family festival, at Sakyamuni Buddhist Centre, Lyneham, 21 January from 6pm.
Reunion Dinner: Enjoy a live band and a tasty meal that includes unlimited side dishes, ten New Year dishes, wild Yunnan tea, champagne, wine, and a special red envelope. TC Restaurant & Bar, Braddon, 21 January 6.30pm; eventbrite.com.au
Hellenic Club: Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with Yum Cha and Canberra Prosperous Mountain Lion Dancers performances at Hellenic Club Woden, 22 January 11.30am & 1.15pm.
Lion Dance: A short and fun pop-up Chinese New Year Event where you can feast on tasty dumplings, get your name written in Chinese calligraphy and watch the Canberra Prosperous Mountain Lion Dance Troupe, at Paddys Park, Strathnairn, 28 January 4-5pm; eventbrite.com.au
Lantern Making Workshop: Locals are invited to velebrate Chinese New Year by making their own lantern, at Cook Community Hub, 29 January 1.30pm, bookings essential; [email protected]
Lantern Festival: Bring a picnic and celebrate Chinese New Year with cultural performances at Canberra Beijing Garden, Yarralumla, 4 February 6.30pm; acfs.org.au
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