Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea cuts balloons free to welcome the new year.Huge crowds gathered to celebrate the new lunar year and watch the festivities in Springvale.
LARGE crowds dodged morning rain to join in celebrations in Springvale at the Lunar New Year Festival on Sunday.
The annual event, organised by the Springvale Asian Business Association (SABA), drew approximately 6000 people at its peak.
SABA president Tom Huynh said a crowd of 1000 people was around the main stage for the official opening at 11.30am.
“The weather cleared up and the day went really well,” Mr Huynh said.
Most of the festivities were held in and around the Springvale Shopping Centre on the corner of Balmoral and Buckingham Streets.
Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea opened the festival.
Firecrackers were let off at noon and were followed by the traditional lion dance.
Other activities included rock bands performing on the main stage, belly dancing and traditional folk dancing.
People attending the festival took the opportunity to buy goods in preparation for Chinese New Year this Sunday, 18 February.
Mr Huynh said stallholders had a busy day with many people buying gifts such as traditional costumes for the children and perfume.
“Much like people shop before Christmas, it is the Chinese tradition to shop and prepare for the Chinese New Year,” Mr Huynh said.
The festival, which concluded at 9.30pm, is a lead up to the start of the Chinese Year of the Pig.
