Whittlesea Chinese Association (WCA) is welcoming the year of the fire horse in style, with traditional, vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations.
WCA president Albert Yew said he is excited to bring the community together for a day of festivity.
“We will be having our celebration at the Epping Memorial Hall, and we invite the public to come along and join us in Chinese cultural songs and dances,” Mr Yew said.
He said the event on 28 February, will be particularly special for anyone born in the year of the fire horse 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 and now 2026.
“We will give away what we call ‘lucky money’, which is the red packet to those people,” he said.
“The red packet passes good fortune and prosperous money to them.”
He said according to the Chinese zodiac, the fire horse is one of the most passionate, bold, and freedom-loving personalities.
“Horses sometimes can be disobedient and run somewhere else for adventure,” he said.
“So, the year of the horse signifies being energetic and adventurous.”
He said the year of the horse encourages people of all Chinese zodiac signs to embrace new beginnings.
“The 2026 Year of the Horse encourages all signs to move forward confidently, to act boldly, trust your instincts, and follow passions that light your inner fire.”
Mr Yew said the event will reflect this passion and fire through the traditional lion dance.
“We will share food and of course it is not Chinese New Year without the lion dance and dragon dance.
“The lion comes in with big drums and gongs and dances around and makes noise to chase away bad things.
“The lion will bless everyone at the event, like they bless the heads of the family and bosses in China.
“Chinese New Year is one of the biggest events [in China]… it’s the one time where people from all walks of life bond with family.”
You can celebrate this Chinese New Year with the WCA at the Epping Memorial Hall from 1pm to 4pm.
