CNY goes off with a bang

Cultural fusion was the theme of Sydney’s Chinese New Year, which kicked off the Year of the Ox at Belmore Park near Central on Friday evening.

Free Vegemite noodles drew a throng to twin stalls in the Chinese Markets that filled the park over the long weekend. [The noodles weren’t bad, either!]

The ceremonies began with an Aboriginal/Chinese blend as Glenn Doyle performed his Welcome to Country framed by Chinese Dragons, which later leapt onto stage for a dance and drums number.

Premier Nathan Rees and Lord Mayor Clover Moore painted the eyes onto the dragons, with Chinese assistants guiding them through the ritual.

There were fire-dancers, drummers, and singer Danielle Peng delivered a highly polished pop number with dancers.

But fire-crackers are the mark of CNY and the show finished with a volley of explosions as the head of an ox lit up in fire, faced by a large glowing ox-lantern.

A highlight of the three-week celebration will be the twilight street parade on Sunday 1 February in which 2,600 performers will take part, including 500 dancers, musicians and martial artists from Henan Province in China.