China News Service, Sydney, February 9. According to the official website of the Sydney Municipal Government in Australia, to celebrate the 2024 Lunar New Year, Sydney will host a 16-day grand carnival. The event includes dragon boat races, art exhibitions, decoration displays, lantern making, cultural performances and lion dances.
Sydney Mayor Clover Moore said that the event will start on February 10 and last until February 25, making it one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia. She emphasized that the Sydney Lunar New Year celebration is one of the city's most important cultural events, which will bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate and experience the rich food and artistic performances of Australia's multicultural communities. The activities are rich and diverse. There will be more than 70 activities for people to choose from within 16 days. Everyone can find their favorite program.
Moore pointed out that 2024 will usher in the Year of the Dragon. The dragon is unique among the twelve Chinese zodiac animals and is regarded as a symbol of vitality, innovation, progress, passion and romance. This year is also an auspicious year for Sydney's historic Chinatown. The City of Sydney will launch a $44 million revitalization plan to commemorate the area's long history and inject new vitality into future development.
It is reported that the Lunar New Year celebrations will kick off at 5 pm on February 10 in Chinatown. A five-metre-tall wooden dragon will be installed in Chinatown throughout the festival. George Street between Sydney Town Hall and Hill Street will be illuminated with 12 zodiac lanterns. In addition, four traditional Chinese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese moon gates will be erected around Sydney's Jubilee Street Market.
In addition, from February 16th to 18th, about 3,000 rowers will hold a dragon boat race in Cockcomb Bay, Sydney, aiming to jointly promote the spirit of diversity and inclusion. On February 17, Sydney Town Hall will welcome cultural performers from China, South Korea, Thailand, Japan and Vietnam, adding a unique cultural feast to the Lunar New Year. (over)