Lunar New Year celebrations are happening across Australia this month as Chinese and other Asian communities prepare to ring in the Year of the Snake. Expect lots of food, festivities, and maybe even red envelopes filled with cash!
What is Lunar New Year?
Also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. It's celebrated in countries like China, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, and also in many other places worldwide. Each year corresponds to one of the 12 zodiac animals, and 2025 will be the Year of the Snake, following 2024's Year of the Dragon.
When is Lunar New Year?
This year, Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29. Keep in mind, it’s celebrated at different times each year! In 2026, it'll be on February 17.
Who celebrates Lunar New Year?
Billions of people celebrate, with China observing a week-long holiday filled with travel, family meals, fireworks, and red envelopes. Many Asian communities worldwide, including here in Australia, enjoy the same traditions with vibrant markets, performances, and delicious food.
Lunar New Year celebrations in Australia:
Here are some of the major events:
Sydney: The Lunar Festival runs for 19 days starting January 29. It’s one of the biggest celebrations outside of Asia, with highlights like the Haymarket Street Festival and Dragon Boat Festival. Don’t miss the Lion Dance performances, and check out the Lunar New Year Street Party in Burwood on January 31.
Melbourne: Chinatown will be buzzing with festivities, including a Lion Dance starting at 10 am on January 30. From February 2, the city will host a Lunar New Year Festival with cultural displays, markets, and food stalls.
Brisbane: Brisbane is holding its own Lunar New Year Festival with live entertainment, music, and cultural markets.
What is the animal for Lunar New Year 2025?
2025 will be the Year of the Snake. After that, we’ve got the Year of the Horse (2026), Goat (2027), and Monkey (2028).
Traditions & food during Lunar New Year:
Families clean their homes, shop for gifts, and decorate in festive colors. Kids often receive red envelopes filled with money from older relatives. There are fireworks, a reunion dinner with family, and visits to loved ones. Some traditions also have superstitions—like not washing your hair on New Year’s Day or avoiding the number four (since it sounds like "death" in Chinese!).
Lunar New Year is a time to come together, reflect, and celebrate with loved ones, so make sure to enjoy the festivities wherever you are!
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