Ballarat Wildlife Park guide Yuan Li gets friendly with Baby the 12-year-old albino Burmese python while (inset) Sovereign Hill prepares to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
FOR Angela Cui, Chinese New Year has always been about feasts, gift-giving, holidays and family gatherings.
But it also offers a chance to welcome change and start the year on a clean slate.
“It is traditional for the Chinese people to embrace the New Year. This one day is for us to show love to all,” Ms Cui said.
Working as a guide at Sovereign Hill, Ms Cui said she was excited to welcome the New Year at the outdoor museum.
Celebrations will be held on Sunday and will include a Chinese orchestra, New Year ceremony, a dragon and lion parade, craft and dance workshops and face-painting.
Sovereign Hill chief executive officer Jeremy Johnson said the museum was at its best when living-history events like the Chinese New Year were celebrated with local community groups and visitors.
“The spectacular dragon march is always popular and will be a must-see activity in what is an outstanding program of celebrations here on Sunday,” he said.
To celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Snake, Ballarat Wildlife Park guide Yuan Li got up close with Baby the 12-year-old albino Burmese python yesterday.
“She is so happy today because she got four rabbits to eat this morning,” Ms Li said.