Chinese New Year 2023 celebrations in Darwin and Palmerston revealed

More than 100 years of Chinese tradition in Darwin is being honoured this Lunar New Year. Find out what‘s planned for the celebrations.

The colourful and playful display of the Chinese lion dance brightens up every stage it is performed on.

But it also represents the traditions of a culture embedded within the Northern Territory community.

The Chinese New Year officially started on Sunday, but celebrations for organisations like Darwin’s Chung Wah Society will be held for two weeks, culminating in the 2023 Darwin Chinese New Year Festival on February 18.

The Year of the Rabbit will be celebrated in 2023, which according to Chinese legend is a symbol and longevity, peace and prosperity.

Chung Wah Society is getting ready for multiple performances of their lion dance over Chinese New Year celebrations. Pictured are Stephen Pearson (head) and Patrick Chin (tail) and right lion: Aaron Chin (head) and Brandon Ting (tail).

Chung Wah Society Lion Dance Troupe coordinator Mikayla Chin said this time of year was often spent with family.

“We have a big family dinner on New Year’s day to celebrate — I am also very much involved with the CWS Lion Dance Troupe so I spend a lot of time organising the shop blessings and festival activities so it’s a very busy month,” she said.

She said a big part of the celebrations was about continuing traditions with communities who might not be familiar with them.

“It is important to have events like these in Darwin and the Northern Territory to share our culture with everyone and to keep the tradition going that has been passed down to us for generations,” Ms Chin said.

Ms Chin said each performance was special for the group, from watching kids doing what they love to educating fellow Territorians.

“We get great a response from performing, it really makes performing special for us,” she said.

“For our shop blessings, it’s not only Chinese businesses we bless but everyone gets involved.

“Our Chinese culture and traditions are received very well and people enjoy participating and respecting our culture.

“Chinese history in Darwin is over 100 years old and we are very accepted within the community.”

The troupe will be performing across the Top End, with activities in Casuarina Square, Darwin CBD, Palmerston and Coolalinga and the Northern Suburbs all scheduled.