Lunar New Year Celebrations to Bring Rhythm and Joy to Queensland
Brisbane, Australia – The State Library of Queensland is set to host a series of vibrant events to celebrate Lunar New Year, offering free activities for families and individuals of all ages. The celebrations will feature traditional lion dances and interactive cultural experiences, welcoming the Year of the Horse.
On , the Play Matters Chinese Mandarin Playgroup will host a Lunar New Year celebration from . The event promises a dynamic exploration of the festival through movement, music, and creative activities. Children will be invited to participate in drumming rhythms, learn lion dance movements, and create Zodiac animal rubbings, culminating in a community dragon parade.
The rhythmic energy of a traditional lion dance will take center stage on , from with a performance by Red Dragon Martial Arts. Attendees will witness the vibrant lions leap and sway to the beat of the drums, a spectacle believed to bring luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Following the performance, there will be an opportunity to experience the lion puppets up close, examining their movement, texture, and personality.
The lion dance, a traditional Chinese performance, is deeply rooted in the culture, symbolizing power, wisdom, and superiority. It’s performed on big occasions, such as the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), to bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits. The dance is traditionally performed by two dancers within a lion costume, with one controlling the head and front limbs, and the other the body and hind legs.
These events are part of the First 5 Forever program, a Queensland Government initiative designed to support families with children under five through free playful experiences. The program is coordinated by the State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local governments.
Both the Play Matters Chinese Mandarin Playgroup event and the Lion’s Lore performance are free and do not require booking. The State Library of Queensland encourages families to subscribe to their updates to stay informed about future events.
The State Library of Queensland respects personal privacy, stating that any collected personal information will only be used for internal activities and functions as outlined in the Libraries Act 1988 (Qld), and will not be disclosed unless legally required. More information can be found in the State Library’s privacy statement.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, will fall on this year, marking the arrival of the Year of the Snake according to some sources. The festival traditionally lasts for 16 days, from Lunar New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival.
