Chinese New Year Markets in Melbourne

Chinese New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Melbourne, even by those without a drop of Chinese blood. It’s one of the many events on the Melbourne social calendar that celebrates other cultures and how they are an integral part of modern Australian life. Dad was visiting from Brisbane, so we decided to check out the Chinese New Year Markets in Southbank. It was a rainy night, so we hopped between the few outdoor umbrellas left standing, trying not to get our cameras too wet!

I acknowledge the Boon Wurrung and Woiwurrung people as the First Nations owners of the lands now recognised as Melbourne. I pay respect to their Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits. I recognise that these lands have always been places of great natural beauty, culture and community. 

Chinese New Year Markets Melbourne
A / The markets were washed out early, but a few stalls stuck it out
fish-shaped pancakes at Chinese New Year Markets
B/ These fish-shaped pancakes are filled with a delicious red-bean paste. Red bean features heavily in Chinese desserts.
C / According to Chinese legend, the monster Nian was scared of the colour red. Nian visited at Chinese New Year, which is why red lanterns are used in the festival
C / According to Chinese legend, the monster Nian was scared of the colour red. Nian visited at Chinese New Year, which is why red lanterns are used in the festival
Melbourne in the rain
D / Melburnians always have an umbrella up their sleeves. This Queenslander only manages to bring one when it doesn’t rain.
Melbourne in the rain
E / Time to go. Our knight in shining yellow armour.

What is your favourite cultural celebration?

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4 thoughts on “Chinese New Year Markets in Melbourne

  1. Beaut photos, I especially like the umbrellas. Look forward to seeing more Melbourne photo essays from you. Get out to the suburbs, too – Melbourne is a very suburban city and you will find lots of excellent subjects in Footscray, Kensington, Fitzroy, Collingwood …

    1. Thanks Nick! Good advice, I need to be a bit more adventurous on the weekends! My uncles took me to the Footscray Vietnamese markets a while back, they were great! Will have to return with my camera

  2. Hey photo-buddy – the pic with lanterns and wet ground looking out to the city is great – pics up the light and feel of the night perfectly!

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