Chinatown will be filled with energetic and colourful lions, firecrackers, drums, cymbals, and of course - dragons, as the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne (CYSM) ushers in the Year of the Dragon with a Chinese legend.

Come see their vibrant parade along Little Bourke Street which will feature the auspicious 財神 God of Fortune, 5 majestic Dragons and vibrant Lion Dancers. The parade will end at the intersection of Little Bourke and Russell Streets, near the iconic Chinatown archways, where CYSM will present a series of captivating performances, including drumming by the HGYS Spirit of the Lion drum team, Kung Fu martial arts demonstrations, and the mesmerizing Flower Dragon.

The main act will showcase CYSM’s storytelling style of performance as they use their Lion and Dragon dancing skills to present 鯉躍龍門 Legend of the Dragon Gate symbolizing perseverance, transformation, and achieving greatness from humble beginnings.

Join us for a cultural extravaganza to welcome the auspicious Year of the Dragon!

Hear from the Melbourne Chinatown Association, the organisers of the Chinese Lunar New Year 2024 Festival, as well as other community leaders on the importance of celebrating and sharing diverse cultures with each other.

Chinese Masonic Society (CMS) Lion Dance Team parade and perform traditional shop blessings, “Choy chens” (採青), throughout the Chinatown precinct.

Get up close with the Chinese lion & dragons from the CMS Lion Dance team, performing non-stop throughout the day. Over 60 performers with a dozen lions & dragons will be roaming the streets of Chinatown, warding off evil spirits and ushering good luck for the Year of the Dragon!

The CMS Lion Dance Team, Melbourne’s oldest, has been performing the traditional ‘choy cheng 採青’ blessings for over 70 years! Experience the thrill sights & sounds of chinese lion dancing, dragon dancing, martial arts and firecrackers!

The Millennium Dragon represents the largest processional dragon in the world. The dragon’s head alone weighs approximately 200kg and requires 8 people to carry it. The Dai Loong is an icon of Melbourne’s Chinatown and part of the historic fabric since 1979.

The parade will depart from the Main Stage (on Lonsdale Street & Russell Street) and proceed to Elizabeth Street, then up Little Bourke Street and finally back to its resting place in the Museum of Chinese Australian History.

The Main Stage, located at the intersection of Lonsdale Street and Russell Street, will host a variety of performances and entertainment from 12:30PM to 8PM, following the Official Opening Ceremony.

The CMS Lion Dance Team will perform a spectacular afternoon show for the Melbourne Chinatown Chinese Lunar New Festivities.

Watch a stunning 9 lion dance performance, Fuzhou dragon dance and kung fu demonstrations.

It all ends with a massive finale with firecrackers!

Step into a realm of cultural elegance at the Melbourne Chinatown Association's Chinese Lunar New Year 2024 Festival. Embrace the spirit of tradition by donning the exquisite Chinese Hanfu attire and immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities celebrating the Year of the Dragon.

We invite members of the public to adorn themselves in these timeless garments, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that pays homage to China's rich heritage. Capture the magic with personalized photos, weaving your own story into the tapestry of this joyous celebration. Join us in Melbourne's Chinatown for an unforgettable experience, blending modern revelry with ancient charm.

Starting from the Dragon Statue & Wishing Well located at Golden Square Car Park (217 Lonsdale Street).

In the bustling streets of Chinatown, the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne (CYSM) and Chinese Masonic Society (CMS) will take part in a traditional meet-and-greet celebration.

Vibrant and colourful Lion Dancers from two of the oldest Lion and Dragon Dance troupes in Melbourne will come together at the intersection of Little Bourke and Russell Streets, near the iconic Chinatown archways, creating an atmosphere of excitement and community. The rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals will be heard as the two troupes exchange greetings and showcase their mesmerizing lion dance routines, intertwining in a display of harmony and unity.

Make sure you catch this fantastic afternoon highlight of the festival!