A launching ceremony was held on Thursday in the city centre of Australia’s Sydney for a 16-day festival to ring in the Year of the Dragon.
From Saturday to Feb. 25, the renowned Australian metropolis would be radiant with joy under an event named “Sydney Lunar Festival’’, with an array of spectacular festivities.
This would include dragon boat races, lantern installations, traditional lion dancing, and captivating cultural performances.
“The Sydney Lunar Festival is one of the city’s most important events, bringing people together and celebrating the diverse food, art, and heritage of our multicultural communities.’’
City of Sydney Mayor Clover Moore said this at the media launch.
“From parties to performances and delicious Lunar-inspired food, there are over 70 events to enjoy across 16 days, so there’s something for everyone,’’ the mayor noted.
As 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese lunar calendar, Moore spoke of the uniqueness and beauty of the dragon.
She said it was the only mythical creature of all the animals in the Chinese zodiac and had been seen as a powerful symbol of vitality, innovation, enterprise, passion, and romance.
“It also marks the start of an auspicious year for our historic Chinatown area, as we begin a 44 million Australian dollar revitalisation project.
“Project to celebrate the area’s rich history and breathe new life for decades to come,’’ she added.
On the opening day of the Chinese New Year, parts of Thomas, Hay, Sussex, and Harbour streets in Sydney’s city centre would be closed.
The centre would be closed to make way for celebrations, which kicks off at 5:00 p.m. local time.
The night would come alive with singing, dancing, and drum art, from more than 15 groups of performers representing Chinese and various other Asian communities.
A 20-meter-long traditional Chinese Dragon would parade through the streets, with 25 food stalls to delight the taste buds of all who attend.
From Feb. 16 to 18, dragon boat racing would return once more with around 3,000 paddlers churning up the water at Cockle Bay.
In light of last year’s success, organisers had decided to once again, hold an opening ceremony as a tribute to Australian and Chinese cultures coming together in a spirit of diversity and inclusion.
The festival would offer a variety of entertainment options ranging from galas, stand-up comedy, concerts, drone shows, and jet-pack performances, to art exhibitions.
Additionally, family-friendly activities, such as lion and dragon dance workshops and the Great Dragon Race scavenger hunt, would also inspire the younger generations to explore traditional cultures.
Sydney had been buzzing with a festive vibe since the beginning of February.
On Feb. 3, about 50,000 locals and visitors, including Premier of New South Wales (NSW) Chris Minns, enjoyed vibrant lion dances, strolled through bustling markets.
It would experience red envelope giveaways in Hurstville, a suburb in Southern Sydney.
Earlier this week, the sails of the Sydney Opera House were illuminated red on Tuesday night as a prelude to welcome the Year of the Dragon.
“Lunar New Year is a special time for many people in NSW to celebrate life, family, and culture.
“It is also a time to express gratitude, hope, and joy. Lunar New Year has become an integral part of the NSW cultural calendar,’’ Steve Kamper said.
Kamper is NSW Minister for Multiculturalism.
For the upcoming 16-day festival, a wooden dragon that raise five meters high will take centre stage on Dixon Street, dazzling crowds in Chinatown’s traditional heart.
George Street is being lit up with 12 Chinese zodiac lanterns between Town Hall and Hay Street, each sitting on top of an illuminated plinth and powered by solar trees.
In addition, a light rail adorned with a dragon illustration would also be cruising on the tracks, commemorating the history of the Chinese community in the early 20th century.
This will be for 1980s, and the present day. (Xinhua/NAN)
A launching ceremony was held on Thursday in the city centre of Australia’s Sydney for a 16-day festival to ring in the Year of the Dragon.
From Saturday to Feb. 25, the renowned Australian metropolis would be radiant with joy under an event named “Sydney Lunar Festival’’, with an array of spectacular festivities.
This would include dragon boat races, lantern installations, traditional lion dancing, and captivating cultural performances.
“The Sydney Lunar Festival is one of the city’s most important events, bringing people together and celebrating the diverse food, art, and heritage of our multicultural communities.’’
City of Sydney Mayor Clover Moore said this at the media launch.
“From parties to performances and delicious Lunar-inspired food, there are over 70 events to enjoy across 16 days, so there’s something for everyone,’’ the mayor noted.
As 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese lunar calendar, Moore spoke of the uniqueness and beauty of the dragon.
She said it was the only mythical creature of all the animals in the Chinese zodiac and had been seen as a powerful symbol of vitality, innovation, enterprise, passion, and romance.
“It also marks the start of an auspicious year for our historic Chinatown area, as we begin a 44 million Australian dollar revitalisation project.
“Project to celebrate the area’s rich history and breathe new life for decades to come,’’ she added.
On the opening day of the Chinese New Year, parts of Thomas, Hay, Sussex, and Harbour streets in Sydney’s city centre would be closed.
The centre would be closed to make way for celebrations, which kicks off at 5:00 p.m. local time.
The night would come alive with singing, dancing, and drum art, from more than 15 groups of performers representing Chinese and various other Asian communities.
A 20-meter-long traditional Chinese Dragon would parade through the streets, with 25 food stalls to delight the taste buds of all who attend.
From Feb. 16 to 18, dragon boat racing would return once more with around 3,000 paddlers churning up the water at Cockle Bay.
In light of last year’s success, organisers had decided to once again, hold an opening ceremony as a tribute to Australian and Chinese cultures coming together in a spirit of diversity and inclusion.
The festival would offer a variety of entertainment options ranging from galas, stand-up comedy, concerts, drone shows, and jet-pack performances, to art exhibitions.
Additionally, family-friendly activities, such as lion and dragon dance workshops and the Great Dragon Race scavenger hunt, would also inspire the younger generations to explore traditional cultures.
Sydney had been buzzing with a festive vibe since the beginning of February.
On Feb. 3, about 50,000 locals and visitors, including Premier of New South Wales (NSW) Chris Minns, enjoyed vibrant lion dances, strolled through bustling markets.
It would experience red envelope giveaways in Hurstville, a suburb in Southern Sydney.
Earlier this week, the sails of the Sydney Opera House were illuminated red on Tuesday night as a prelude to welcome the Year of the Dragon.
“Lunar New Year is a special time for many people in NSW to celebrate life, family, and culture.
“It is also a time to express gratitude, hope, and joy. Lunar New Year has become an integral part of the NSW cultural calendar,’’ Steve Kamper said.
Kamper is NSW Minister for Multiculturalism.
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For the upcoming 16-day festival, a wooden dragon that raise five meters high will take centre stage on Dixon Street, dazzling crowds in Chinatown’s traditional heart.
George Street is being lit up with 12 Chinese zodiac lanterns between Town Hall and Hay Street, each sitting on top of an illuminated plinth and powered by solar trees.
In addition, a light rail adorned with a dragon illustration would also be cruising on the tracks, commemorating the history of the Chinese community in the early 20th century.
This will be for 1980s, and the present day. (Xinhua/NAN)
