Hare-raising fun – Lunar New Year in Sydney
Image: Dixon St Rabbit. Image: City of Sydney website
It may be a wet start but that’s not going to dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. Lunar New Year celebrations are happening all over Sydney and you won’t need to travel far for some high-spirited fun, cultural engagement and maybe a second shot at those resolutions.
In the city the Sydney Lunar Festival features a program of art exhibitions, activities, markets, dance, music, and fireworks. Haymarket, in particular, Chinatown, is the epicentre, although there are lots of satellite sites.
Eddy Ave, Alfred St, Liverpool St, and George St are hosting Banner Galleries featuring beautiful, themed banners designed by artists, lining the street.
History buffs will enjoy an afternoon at State Library of NSW delving into and learning about the fascinating NSW Chinese Women’s Relief Fund (1937-1941) and how they raised funds to help China during the WWII Japanese invasion.
One of the most exciting events during the festival is the Dragon Boat Race in Cockle Bay. Teams from clubs around Sydney line up in their traditional Chinese dragon boats, receive a blessing and “eye dot” from a Taoist monk, then row like warriors to the steady beat of a drum. It’s thrilling.
The Lunar Spectacular Show in the historic Centennial Hall on George St will bring together performers from Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Malaysian and Indonesian community groups. It is a celebration through drumming, dancing, theatre, storytelling, music, fashion and more.
Enjoy lion dancing every week day of the festival in front of Sydney Town Hall, and Friday – Sunday evenings in Haymarket. Stunning lion costume manoeuvred by experienced artists, and boisterous drumming.
