The inner-west’s multicultural spirit will be celebrated this Sunday when the East Meets West Lunar New Year Festival takes over Footscray.
Launched more than two decades ago by the proud local Vietnamese community, the event has since expanded as a showcase of the area’s diversity and cultural harmony.
The day-long festival will welcome the Year of the Dog with a parade, cultural dances, musical performances, food stalls, carnival rides, lion-dancing and firecrackers.
Event co-ordinator Hai Pham said food stalls will take over the streets and festivities will be rounded out with a fireworks display.
“With its strong multicultural community, the inner west of Melbourne, and in particular Footscray, is truly a place where East really meets West,” he said.
“Whilst its origin is Vietnamese, the event has evolved over the years to include participation from other Asian communities such as Chinese, Thai, Cambodian and Philippines and more recently, the African community has also become involved.”
The event will be held in central Footscray from 10am-10pm this Sunday.
