The 2025 Bendigo Easter Festival is scheduled from Friday April 18 to Monday April 21. The main festival activities including the Easter Egg Hunt, Carnival Central and the Awakening of the Dragon will take place from Good Friday to Easter Sunday.
When it comes to celebrating tradition, culture and community spirit few events can match the charm and heritage of the Bendigo Easter Festival. Held annually in the heart of regional Victoria, the iconic event is more than just a weekend of Parades and festivities-it’s living celebration pf Bendigo’s fascinating history, diverse culture and resilient community.
The story of Bendigo Easter Festival begins in 1871 making it one of the Australia’s longest-running community festivals. Originally known as the Bendigo easter Fair, it was created to raise funds for the local hospital-a testament to the community-focused spirit of the city. In those early days, the festival featured everything from foot races and band performances to theatrical shows and social gatherings. it quickly became the highlights of the year for locals and an attraction for visitors from surrounding suburbs.
Bendigo’s history is deeply intertwined with Gold Rush Era of 1850’s a time that brought waves of immigrants-including a significant number of Chinese miners to the area. As these communities settled and grew so did their contributions to Bendigo’s cultural landscape.
By the late 19th century, the Bendigo Chinese Association had become a key part of easter fair. they introduced traditional Chinese cultural performances such as lion dancing, martial arts demonstrations and most famously-the Chinese dragon parade.
In 1901, the imperial dragon Loong made his debut, stunning crowds with his grandeur. Loong is now retired still holds the title of the oldest imperial dragon in the world. He was eventually succeeded by Sun Loong and in 2023 the newest dragon Dai Gum Loong (“big Gold Dragon”) was unveiled-now the longest imperial dragon in the world.
Over the decades, the Bendigo Easter Festival has evolved while staying true to its roots. It continues to celebrate Bendigo’s rich multicultural heritage with:
What started as a fundraiser has blossomed into a vibrant , multi-day celebration that draws thousands of people from across Melbourne and beyond.
At its core, the Bendigo Easter Festival is about community, tradition and connection. It honors the city’s past while embracing the future uniting generations through shared celebration.
Whether you’re local or first-time visitor there’s something truly special about experiencing Bendigo during Easter. It’s where history comes to life, culture takes center stage and everyone is invited to parade.
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