Mandurah Prepares for Vibrant Chinese New Year Celebrations
The Peel Multicultural Association is set to host a spectacular Chinese New Year celebration in Mandurah, marking the arrival of the Year of the Horse with a free community event at Mandjar Square on February 14, 2026.
Cultural Festivities in the Heart of Mandurah
From 9:30am to 2pm, locals are invited to immerse themselves in traditional Chinese culture through a variety of engaging activities. The program includes hands-on lantern and origami craft sessions, multicultural dance workshops, and the highlight of the day: a dynamic Chinese lion dance performance.
Virginia Pitts, president of the Peel Multicultural Association, emphasized the event's significance for both Chinese community members and the broader Mandurah population. "Our Chinese members have been rehearsing weekly for this celebration," Ms Pitts revealed. "For many who have moved here, this event provides a vital connection to home and helps combat feelings of isolation."
The Symbolism of the Year of the Horse
2026 marks the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse, in the Chinese zodiac cycle. This energetic animal represents vitality, speed, and perseverance as the seventh sign in the twelve-year lunar calendar rotation.
The Chinese New Year period officially begins with the New Moon on February 17 and concludes with the full moon on March 3, following traditional lunisolar calendar calculations. Previous Horse years include 2014, 2002, and 1990.
Building Community Through Cultural Exchange
Mandurah Mayor Amber Kearns expressed pride in the city's commitment to multiculturalism. "Events like Chinese New Year bring our community together while highlighting the diverse cultures that enrich our city," Mayor Kearns stated. "They powerfully demonstrate that diversity represents one of our greatest strengths."
Ms Pitts further explained the event's educational value: "We're giving the local community an opportunity to appreciate Chinese cultural beauty without traveling to China. People can experience the grandeur of Chinese New Year celebrations right here in Mandurah."
The association has organized this annual celebration since 2018, creating a growing tradition that both honors Chinese heritage and fosters greater cultural understanding among Mandurah residents.
