SYDNEY, Feb 9 (NNN-AAP) – A launching ceremony was held yesterday, in the city centre of Sydney, for a 16-day festival to ring in the Year of the Dragon.
From tomorrow to Feb 25, the renowned Australian metropolis will be radiant with joy, under an event named “Sydney Lunar Festival,” with an array of spectacular festivities, including 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, 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 of the dragon, which is the “only mythical creature of all the animals in the Chinese zodiac” and “is seen as a powerful symbol of vitality, innovation, enterprise, passion, 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, 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, tomorrow, parts of Thomas, Hay, Sussex, and Harbour streets in Sydney’s city centre will be closed and make way for celebrations, which kick off at 5:00 p.m. local time.
The night will come alive with singing, dancing, and drum art, from more than 15 groups of performers, representing Chinese and various other Asian communities. A 20-metre-long traditional Chinese Dragon will 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 returns once more with around 3,000 paddlers churning up the water at Cockle Bay. In light of last year’s success, organisers have 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 offers 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, will also inspire the younger generations to explore traditional cultures.
Sydney has been buzzing with a festive vibe since the beginning of Feb.– NNN-AAP
