Slip Along to Year of the Snake Celebrations

Dunedin (Monday, 4 February 2013) – It may be Year of the Snake, but there will still be a dragon or two.

The Dunedin Chinese Garden is celebrating Chinese New Year with an extensive programme of activities from Saturday 9 February to Tuesday 12 February.

Dunedin Chinese Garden Manager Margo Reid says as in previous years a major highlight will be the Dragon Parade and fireworks on the night of Sunday 10 February. Displays in other years have drawn crowds of almost 5000 people on a fine night.

Instead of its usual entry charges, the Garden will open to the public for a gold coin donation at 7pm on the 10th. Food stalls will be serving tasty offerings in the car park. The Dragon Parade leaves the Octagon at 7.15pm, heading down Stuart Street to arrive at the Garden about 7.45pm. Fire crackers on the Pai Lau (ceremonial entrance) will welcome the dragon and then Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull will “awaken the lion” at 8pm.

There will then be continuous entertainment until the fireworks at 10pm. Ms Reid says there will be great variety as this year traditional Chinese performers will be joined by performers from other Asian cultures.

“It’s going to be a really outstanding night.”

As well as those celebrations, there are plenty of other fun activities at the Garden over the four days. These include the opportunity to learn a few phrases of conversational Mandarin, take part in a traditional tea ceremony or attend a paper cutting demonstration and lessons.

These events are free when you pay the standard entry charges to the Garden.

Visitors can also get good value from their change – spend $1 on a bag of fish food for the Garden’s hungry fish or on a red ribbon to tie on the Wishing Tree and make a wish for the New Year.

Further details are available on the Dunedin Chinese Garden website – www.dunedinchinesegarden.com

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