Max Hatzoglou
The St Albans Lunar New Year Festival lit up Alfrieda Street on Sunday with celebrations running all afternoon and into the evening to mark the Chinese New Year.
The day was filled with dragon and lion dances, traditional Vietnamese music and dancing, fireworks and plenty of food from surrounding cafes and restaurants.
People came from around Victoria to celebrate the event which attracted over 80,000 people across the day.
It began with an opening ceremony at 1pm featuring the traditional lion dance and the lighting of long-string firecrackers and concluded with a fireworks display at night.
St Albans Business Association president Sebastian Agricola said he was surprised to see the large attendance and he was stoked with the impact it had on the community.
“It was massive, we were blown away and absolutely shocked,” Mr Agricola said.
“From ten o’clock in the morning till close at ten o’clock at night, it was packed to the rafters.
“All of the shops that were open did a roaring trade with some even running out of food.”
Pre-covid, the event was typically planned over six months although due to restrictions, it had to be done in a shorter time frame.
“Usually it takes six months to plan this,” he said.
“We did this in six weeks.
“Victoria Police and Brimbank Council helped us move mountains. They were magnificent in their assistance to get this going.”
The event brought a greater sense of normality back to the community after the festival was held virtually last year due to pandemic restrictions.
St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman attended the event and said it was a great opportunity for the community to come together.
“It was a great opportunity for everyone to unite, celebrate the lunar festival and all things great about St Albans,” Ms Suleyman said.
“I want to thank the organisers, the St Albans business group, the Vietnamese traders and everybody for making it one of the most amazing, number one event in Victoria.”
