Our Parades

Do you want to be part of the Dragon Parades?


Each year the Association relies on the participation of volunteers to parade the Dragon. For males, there are positions for Dragon Legs, Head and Tail Carriers (strong guys!), Weapon and Banner Carriers. For females, there are Lanterns and Animals to carry.

2026 Melbourne Moomba Parade

  • Date: Monday 9 March, 2026
  • Time: 8.15 a.m.
  • Location: Chinese Museum, 22 Cohen Place

Before the Parade, our MDLA Lion Team will be awakening the Big Dragon, to ward off any undesirable elements that might be lurking around. Very much appreciate if all “Legs” Volunteers can be on time, please.

Eligibility:

Due to the Association being required to have a duty of care to its Participants, it restricts participation to:

  • Boys & Girls over 12 years to carry banners, animals and lanterns;
  • Boys & Men over 16 years old to be the “Legs” of the Dragon;
  • Or, the Committee, in their judgement, may deem any Applicant unsuitable to participate.

Uniforms:

All uniforms will be issued to all Participants (except footwear).  Please come wearing white runners.

Anyone not in our MDLA Uniforms (T-shirt, etc) will not be allowed to join in the Parade – as per strict instructions from the Organisers (including parents/carers).  This is for the safety and security reasons.

Lunch:

Lunch will be provided free-of-charge to Participants only, after the Parade. Should your partners, parents or friends wish to join you in the meal, a subsidised meal will be available; a charge of $20.00 will be payable.

Behavior:

Parade participants are to be courteous to the Committee of Management, other Dai Loong participants or members of the public at all times. MDLA does not tolerate anti-social, offensive or aggressive behavior, or foul language. If breached, offenders will be removed immediately and you will be banned from future participation in the MDLA’s Dragon Parades.

By participating in the parade, volunteers acknowledge and agree to the Volunteer Waiver.

We thank you for your support and for those who have contributed year after year – we truly appreciate that you have volunteered to ensure that the tradition of the Dragon Parades in Melbourne carries on.

To confirm your attendance please reply by email AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, by completing the registration form: https://chinatownmelbourne.com.au/mdla/

Eligibility

Due to the Association being required to have "a duty of care" to its participants, it restricts the participation to:

  • Boys and Girls over 12 years to carry Weapons, Banners and Lanterns.
  • Boys and Men over 16 years old to be in the Dragon.
  • Or if the Committee's Representatives, in their judgement, deem any applicant unsuitable to participate.

The Association reserve the right to refuse participation, if the Committee's Representatives, in their judgement, deem any applicant unsuitable to participate.

Uniforms

Uniforms will be issued to all participants (except footwear). Please come wearing white runners.

Lunch

Lunch will be provided free of charge to participants only after the parade.

Should your partners, children, parents or friends wish to join you in the meal, a charge of $10 is payable.

To be a part of the Dragon Parade, contact us with your name, age and address.