Today’s Festa Italia and the Lunar New Year celebrations add significantly to the cultural fabric of our State and are important occasions on Tasmania’s busy events calendar.
The Liberal Government is proud to be providing support for both events.
Now in its sixth year, the Festa Italia Street Festival showcases the diverse culture, customs and traditions of Italians living in Tasmania.
The Italian community is one of Tasmania’s largest cultural groups, with more than 950 Tasmanians born in Italy and more than 6,500 of Italian ancestry.
Tasmania has an enduring relationship with Italy, and in 2013 it represented Tasmania’s largest export market in the European Union.
Our State is also an increasingly popular destination for Italian travellers, with a 16 per cent increase in visitors in the 12 months to September.
Over many years, Chinese migrants have made a significant contribution to Tasmania and our friendship continues to grow and strengthen today.
Almost 2,000 Tasmanians were born in the People’s Republic of China, and more than 5,000 Tasmanians have Chinese ancestry.
This incredible heritage is celebrated today at the third Lunar New Year festival.
It is also a chance to celebrate a time when our enduring friendship with China is strengthening, particularly following the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping last year.
China is Tasmania’s largest trading partner, a major investor and also the largest source of international visitors to Tasmania.
The Chinese believe that New Year’s Day brings good fortune and blessings which was certainly in abundance across both festivals today.
Will Hodgman, Premier Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events
