Celebrations begin for Year of the Dragon

Known as one of the biggest holidays in east Asian culture, Lunar New Year festivities and traditions are bring embraced by more Australians each year.

Chinese lion dancers from Da Hung Lion Dance & Martial Arts perform during the launch of Sydney Lunar Festival 2024 at Dixon Street Mall in Sydney, Thursday, February 8, 2024. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / BIANCA DE MARCHI/AAPIMAGE

Key Points

• Australia now boasts some of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia, which experts say contributes to the Australia's identity as a multicultural nation.
• 2024 is the year of the dragon, which is considered special as it's the only mythological creature among the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac.
• While traditions differ across the east Asian diaspora, it's often customary to wear red, make dumplings or give money in red packets or envelopes.