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.
