Dragons take over Melbourne Markets

The most important day of the year for Australia’s 669,890 person Chinese community is just around the corner. The Markets of Melbourne have provided a central business hub and second home for many Chinese immigrants so celebrations around the markets are always big and brilliant.

All three of our inner city markets, Prahran Market, South Melbourne Market and Queen Victoria Market, are celebrating the Chinese New Year with a variety of events and excitement, creating a contagious buzz to welcome in the Year of the Dragon.

At South Melbourne Market on Saturday 21st January, you’ll find a traditional Chinese dragon mingling and performing for loyal shoppers, keen traders and passers by. To get a good look at the dragon be there between 11:30am – 12:30pm.

Prahran Market is joining in with a myriad of events to celebrate the unique Chinese culture. Join them on Chinese New Year’s Day on Tuesday 24th January to participate in their Chinese lion dance, live music by the Chao Feng Orchestra, face painting and Chinese cooking demonstrations. In addition, Prahran Market traders are getting involved by offering fantastic promotions on the day. Get in at 12:00pm for lion dance and see the orchestra from 1:00pm.

Finally, at Queen Victoria Market Feng Shui Cures & Crystals will celebrate with a traditional lion dance performed by the Chinese Youth Society and will feature drummers and a Happy Buddha. The performance will commence at 10:00am on Tuesday 24th January and the group will then make their way up to 141 Victoria Street. The store’s owner, Jodi Brunner, is a Master of Feng Shui so be sure to pop in to get some advice on optimising your home in this Year of the Dragon.

With all three markets ringing in the Chinese New Year in spectacular fashion, there is something for everyone to celebrate. To find out more about Chinese New Year at the Markets of Melbourne, visit www.marketsofmelbourne.com.au or each of the markets’ websites – www.southmelbournemarket.com.au, www.prahranmarket.com.au and www.qvm.com.au.

Finally… 新年快乐!