On Monday, 8th February, the Market hosted a traditional Lion Dance performance by the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne (CYSM) with dancing, traditional blessings and rhythmic drums part of the fun.
“The Melbourne Market is a colourful place at all times of the year,” Melbourne Market Authority CEO Mark Maskiell says.
“Multiculturalism in Melbourne has been a key driver for the variety in product lines we see and enjoy today. It’s great to be able to acknowledge this diversity by celebrating the Chinese New Year.”
This year is particularly special as it marks the first Chinese New Year at Melbourne Market’s new site in Epping – north of the city centre – which opened in August 2015.
The CYSM Lion Dance Troupe started at the South end of the Buyers Walk and travelled down its 750-metre length, with a central performance at the Trading Stands before finishing at the North end.
Melbourne Market has held official celebrations for the past five years, with the whole community enjoying taking part in the celebrations and making offerings to the lion for good fortune and prosperity in the year to come.
“The performance creates a great atmosphere in the Market and never fails to draw a crowd,” Mr Maskiell says.
This time of year also sees Melbourne Market filled with a variety of popular Asian fruits such as lychees and longans, and green leafy vegetables such as choy sum and gai lan.
Items for offerings such as small seedless watermelons, pineapples and ducasse bananas are also in demand, with specific produce varying each season depending on availability.
Images from Melbourne Market's 2015 Chinese New Year celebrations at the West Melbourne site. Image credit: Cormac Hanrahan.
For more information:
Rebecca Curcija
Melbourne Market
Tel: +61 392 586 181
Email: Rebecca.Curcija@melbournemarket.com.au
www.melbournemarket.com.au