Chinese New Year celebrations begin on New Year's Eve on the last day of the last month of the Chinese calendar and last for about a week. Chinatown in Melbourne has existed for about 160 years. During this time the Chinese diaspora has kept its traditions. The streets of the Chinese quarter are decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns, and during the days of the festivities, a series of special events are launched here: open cinemas, street food stalls with Chinese food, cultural martial arts seminars, and dance lessons.
About 70,000 spectators gather to watch the Dragon Parade. The awakening of the 100-meter Chinese dragon in Docklands, its 15-meter younger brother at Queen Victoria Market, dancing lions, drummers, floating lanterns, jugglers with fire, and firecrackers are just a small list of the activities available. In the Queensbridge Square Southbank and Federation Square, there are performances, culinary and craft demonstrations, live music, and performances by local musicians and Chinese guests during the celebration. Also, every night you can see the incredible light show at the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and 888 Collins Street.
