Lions Roar and Dragons Dance

With Chinese New Year fast approaching, a variety of fearsome animals are nearing the end of their hibernation.

2010 is the Year of the White Metal Tiger, and he will make his spectacular entrance during the opening ceremony's fireworks display.

This will also be the first time in eleven years that the Dunedin celebrations have featured both the lion dance and the dragon parade. The origins of the waking the lion tradition are surrounded in mythology but in Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin will have the privilege of rousing the beast.

The team of dragon dancers performing in the closing ceremony on Saturday, 27 February, are getting acquainted with the two dragons now residing in Dunedin. They will be rehearsing their performance this weekend. The dragons, (one red and one gold), and the performers' costumes were created by Shanghai DBL Import and Export Company Ltd.

The parade starts in the Octagon at 2.00pm on Saturday, 27 February, with the red dragon making his debut.

Chinese New Year 2010 Programme

Contact details

Contact DCC on 477 4000.

Last reviewed: 19 Aug 2010 5:36pm