Lunar New Year

Snakes, Festivities, and Wine – Oh My! A Lunar New Year Celebration Like No Other!

Get ready for the Victoria Street Lunar Festival, celebrating the Year of the Snake and half a century of Vietnamese heritage in Australia!

Australia is gearing up for a vibrant start to the Year of the Snake with the much-anticipated Victoria Street Lunar Festival. Happening in 2025, this festival not only marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year but also pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese migration to Australian shores. This remarkable celebration promises to be a showcase of cultural richness, with colorful parades, dragon dances, and traditional Vietnamese food drawing thousands to the festive streets of Richmond.

As the new year approaches, preparations are already underway, and local winemakers are offering a tantalizing twist on Australian wine. Third-generation winemaker and managing director of Taylors Wines, Mitchell Taylor, speaks of a “snaky makeover” in their production, which aims to blend tradition with innovation. Just like the myth and folklore surrounding the snake, the Australian wine scene is shedding its old skin to embrace new flavors and techniques, making it an exciting time for wine lovers to visit local vineyards.

But it's not just about the wine! The festival will resonate with the vibrant essence of the Vietnamese community in Australia, showcasing their unique customs and practices that have flourished over the decades. Attendees can expect to immerse themselves in live music, traditional crafts, and delicious culinary experiences – from fresh spring rolls to steaming bowls of pho. This remarkable event serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of a community that has woven its culture into the Australian tapestry.

As the streets come alive with color and excitement, festival-goers will also have the chance to learn more about the symbolism of the snake in Vietnamese culture. Known for its adaptability and wisdom, the snake is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity in the coming year. So, whether you’re indulging in local wines or enjoying scrumptious bites, the Victoria Street Lunar Festival will deliver a fantastic mix of festivities and fascinating insights into cultural heritage.

Did you know that the Year of the Snake is often regarded as one of the most auspicious in the Vietnamese zodiac? It symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, and grace. As we look forward to this grand celebration, wine aficionados will also be thrilled to discover that Australian wine production has garnered a prestigious position globally, with its rich diversity and unique regional flavors belonging at the forefront of the industry.