Ballarat will welcome the year of the pig at authentic Chinese New Year celebrations over two Sundays.
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Sovereign Hill, together with the Chinese Australian Cultural Society Ballarat, will host the celebrations on February 10 and 17 with a range of activities for the whole family.
Visitors will be able to see the spectacular Chinese dragon, Xin Loong, and other Chinese lions, weaving their way up Sovereign Hill’s Main Street for the annual parade.
A Sovereign Hill spokesperson said the outdoor museum had been hosting an annual Chinese New Year program for more than 15 years.
“The colour, spectacle and appearance of the lions and dragon are said to bring good luck and prosperity to the crowd,” the spokesperson said.
“The outdoor museum will be awash with celebrations, as visitors have the opportunity to watch, participate and learn about Chinese culture and the experiences of Chinese miners during Ballarat’s goldrush.”
Visitors can learn about the significance of the Chinese year of the pig, and be enthralled by colourful performances of ribbon dancing, Tai Chi, and other traditional forms of Chinese entertainment.
On Sunday, February 17 at 10.45am, there will be lions, drums and a traditional Chinese ceremony, before a special lion dance Workshop at 12.30pm.
The Chinese new year parade will be held at 1pm on both Sundays.
Other highlights will include hands-on activities, Chinese camp tour and an anti-Chinese League performance.
The Gold Museum will feature a behind-the-scenes tour of rare Chinese artefacts.
Chinese New Year was held on February 5.
For more information, visit the website http://www.sovereignhill.com.au/.