Australia's Sydney to throw 16-day party for Year of Dragon

A launch ceremony was held on Thursday in the city center of Australia's Sydney for a 16-day festival to ring in the Year of the Dragon.

From Saturday to February 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, and romance."

"It also marks the start of an auspicious year for our historic Chinatown area, as we begin a 44 million Australian dollar revitalization 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 center 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-meter-long traditional Chinese Dragon will parade through the streets, with 25 food stalls to delight the taste buds of all who attend.

From February 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, organizers 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 February.

On February 3, about 50,000 locals and visitors, including Premier of New South Wales (NSW) Chris Minns, enjoyed vibrant lion dances, strolled through bustling markets, and experienced 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," said NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper. "Lunar New Year has become an integral part of the NSW cultural calendar."

For the upcoming 16-day festival, a wooden dragon that rises five meters high will take center 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 will also be cruising on the tracks, commemorating the history of the Chinese community in the early 20th century, the 1980s, and the present day.

(With input from agencies)