Being dubbed as the largest human event on the planet, Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) is the most important day of the year for Chinese people all over the globe and is the first day of the month in the Chinese calendar.
This year is the Year of the Rooster (Fire Rooster). The Rooster represents fidelity and punctuality, for it wakes people up on time.
Global Ballooning Australia knows all about waking up clients bright and early for our beautiful Melbourne sunrises and are celebrating the Year of the Rooster along with the merry Chinese population of Melbourne, as well as all of the Chinese visitors to Australia who have chosen to celebrate away from their homeland.
For this year’s celebrations, Global will be giving out a Hongbao (red envelope) containing a gift in the form of a giveaway or discount, in keeping with the Chinese New Year tradition of gifting family members and friends these red envelopes after their flight. The red colour of the envelope symbolise good luck and we’re happy to offer this small gesture to all our clients during this festive period!
We’re not the only ones celebrating Chinese New Year and we’ve put together a short list of some of the coolest ways to make the most of this unique and colourful festivity:
QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET’S HONGBAO WALL
Celebrations at the Queen Victoria Market have always been a must do, with traditional performances, mythical creatures being brought to life, Chinese market nights and their new addition: The Queen Vic Market Hongbao Wishing Wall.
CHINESE NEW YEAR AT CHADSTONE
With Chinese New Year being a time of gifting and sharing, Chadstone is the perfect place to go to find some bargains and also enjoy some specially arranged celebrations.
Their Chamber of Luck just outside Tiffany & Co. will let shoppers have a go at winning gifts from some very special set of lucky drawers, whilst the Chinese Dragon Dancing Association will be performing traditional acts in the afternoons.
ASIAN FUSION DINNER AT EUREKA 89
Take in 360-degree views of the amazing Chinese New Year lights across Melbourne from your dining table at Eureka 89, Melbourne’s highest vantage point and dining experience.
LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS ACROSS MELBOURNE
Chinese New Year is famous for its vibrant colours and bright lights. This year Melbourne is going big with light shows and installations everywhere!
Gaze at a giant phoenix at Docklands, beautiful Chinese Zodiac lanterns in Southgate, Australia’s largest illuminated dragon head at Eureka Skydeck Plaza, and the Monkey Arch Corridor at Queensbridge Square.
CHINA TOWN OUTDOOR CINEMA
On the 27th of January, a bean bag theatre springs to life in Chinatown Square with Asian short films screening from dusk until the Chinatown Countdown. Find it at Cohen Place.
DRAGON PARADE DAY AND MAIN FESTIVAL DAY CELEBRATIONS
On Sunday the 29th of January, Melbourne’s Dai Loong (Chinese Dragon!) emerges from the Chinese Museum with onlookers in awe truly heralding the commencement of the Spring Festival. Catch it throughout Chinatown between 11.30am and 1.00pm.
ASIAN DELIGHTS
On Sunday the 29th of January, find authentic Chinese hawker stalls and produce stores across Russell Street, offering traditional Chinese New Year treats.
