Just when you think the silly season festivities are over, the Chinese New Year comes around and presents another opportunity to celebrate. The Cairns Chinese New Year Festival is organised by the Cairns and District Chinese Association Inc since 2004. Along with highlighting the Chinese zodiac and its animals (2015 is year of the sheep), the festival also presents the rich cultural diversity in north Queensland.
The main event, the Street Festival, takes place on 21 February this year. It will roam through Cairns' original Chinatown precinct, Grafton St (once known as Sachs St). It's a family-friendly extravaganza, suitable for all age groups. Head to Grafton Street between 4pm and 9pm to experience a traffic-free celebration that is vibrant, loud and energetic. If last year's program is anything to go by, this will be one event not to be missed, with drumming, interactive art, plenty of Chinese food and a fireworks display to top it all off.
"The area's Chinese heritage is celebrated with plenty of dance, cultural performances, music, food, stalls and even a parade. "
Last year also saw a special Chinese New Year dinner, a business lunch, monster raffle, race day and even an official Chinese New Year banquet, so stay tuned for this year's lineup.
If you're travelling to enjoy the festivities in Cairns, choose holiday accommodation close to the action at Mantra Esplanade. Stay in a hotel room or spread out over a one- or two-bedroom apartment and enjoy the facilities such as an on-site licensed bar, restaurant, gymnasium, spa and all the mod-cons you could ask for when you're away from home.
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