Chinese New Year will be celebrated in the Bundaberg Region next month as the community comes together for the Year of the Tiger.
On Tuesday, 1 February, Bundaberg Regional Council will host a free event at Riverfeast from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Entertainment, great local food, Chinese arts and crafts and a performance by the PCYC Bundaberg Blazers Dragon Dancing group will be part of the festivities.
Bundaberg resident Jing Webster came to the region from China 14 years ago and said celebrating Chinese New Year with the community was about bringing people together.
“Chinese New Year is a chance to come together as one,” she said.
“We celebrate with many people of the community who come from all different parts of China.
“This year is for the Year of the Tiger.”
Jing, who hails from North China, said she loved the lifestyle in Australia and had operated two successful businesses in Bundaberg.
“I come from North China, near Russia, and it is very cold so the first thing that I loved about coming here was the beach and the weather,” she said.
“I came straight to Bundaberg and started my first business in Woongarra Street for five years and then moved to Bourbong Street at Shu Ying Massage .
Her current salon is decorated in traditional Chinese theme, with artwork, cultural artefacts, and tea on display for visitors to enjoy.
“In Australia many people go out to meet for coffee but in China we really enjoy our tea,” she said.
“That is one of my favourite parts about my culture.”
Chinese New Year 2022: Year of the Tiger
According to the official Chinese New Year page, celebrations fall on Tuesday, February 1 and culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 15 in China.
Chinese New Year marks the transition between zodiac signs: 2022 is the year of the Tiger and 2021 the year of the Ox.
People born in years of the Tiger are vigorous and ambitious, daring and courageous, enthusiastic and generous, self-confident with a sense of justice and a commitment to help others for the greater good.
Those born in 2022 are considered to be a water tiger.
Find out more about your zodiac sign here.
Keep up to date with Council's Chinese New Year event here.
