Snakes tend to stay out of sight in Dunedin.
But they will be taking centre stage this weekend when the
Dunedin Chinese Garden celebrates the Chinese New Year.
The 2013 Year of the Snake will be marked with four days of
activities, starting on Saturday.
Up to 5000 people wereexpected to attend the annual Dragon
Parade and fireworks display on Sunday, Dunedin Chinese
Garden manager Margo Reid said yesterday. The usual entrance
fee has been dropped for the night and entry to the garden
for the parade and fireworks on Sunday will be by gold coin
donation. The Dragon Parade will leave the Octagon at 7.15pm,
before travelling down Stuart St to arrive at the Chinese
Garden about 7.45pm.
The dragon will be welcomed with fire crackers at the Pai Lau
ceremonial entrance, before Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull ''awakens
the lion'' at 8pm.
Two hours of live entertainment will then be followed by a
fireworks display at 10pm. Performers from other Asian
cultures will be adding colour to the traditional Chinese
performances this year.
Other activities being held at the garden over the four days
include conversational Mandarin lessons, a traditional tea
ceremony and a paper-cutting demonstration and lesson.
The cost of events is included in the garden entry charge.
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