As the Lunar New Year approaches, Southeast Asian communities around the globe are preparing to usher in the year of the dragon.
Taking centre stage this year on Sunday, January 21, the St Albans Lunar New Year Festival is set to attract tens of thousands of people.
Held annually on Alfrieda Street, the festival has earned its reputation as one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations in Australia.
St Albans Business Association secretary Ross Morfea said the upcoming 26th edition of the festival promises to be filled with a vibrant atmosphere, featuring plenty of food stalls, rides, live entertainment and a 20-minute signature fireworks display.
“The festival is something for everybody to enjoy. It is a way for us to bring the community together and showcase St Albans. All the shopkeepers do tremendously well on that day and they look forward to it every year,” he said.
“We get people of all different nationalities come down and enjoy the day, it’s a family-friendly event that is absolutely free.”
Mr Morfea said the event has firmly established itself as a symbol of community unity, describing St Albans as a benchmark for Lunar New Year celebrations, alongside other locations including Sunshine, Springvale and Richmond.
The St Albans Lunar New Year festival will run from 10am-1pm on January 21 along Alfrieda Street.
Details: www.stalbanstowncentre.com.au/lunarfestival
Hannah Hammoud
