A city sees red

Lion Dance in Melbourne's Chinatown. Photo: Aun Ngo

RED lanterns glowed and drums echoed through Kingsway as more than 40,000 people gathered to mark the end of 15 days of Chinese New Year festivities in Glen Waverley on February 8.

Organised by the Monash Council, the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival took place from noon to 9 pm.

An assortment of bright and colourful lanterns hung overhead the numerous food stalls lining the street, as vendors served up traditional hawker fare, sweets and drinks.

Those who were not content with just eating had a chance to get their hands dirty during the cooking demonstrations, and the “cultural corner” gave festival-goers the opportunity to take part in art and craft activities.

Brisbane-based Khuan Yee Lion Dance Group’s spectacular performance captured the attention of young and old alike.

Dragons, animated by the award-winning performers perched on top of 1.8-metre poles, danced through the streets to the beat of thunderous drums.

Patrons at the local eatery, Shine, had the privilege of having the Lion Dance brought to them, as the dragons wound their way into the restaurant and bar.

In line with tradition, the evening concluded with a lantern parade, under a full moon.

Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris said the Chinese New Year was a perfect opportunity to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity.

“Our local community is fortunate enough to enjoy the riches of our diverse population and this festival represents the heritage of twenty percent of City of Monash residents who have Chinese ancestry,” he said.