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17 November 2008
Sydney
's Chinese New Year Festival will welcome the Year of the Ox during three action packed weeks from 23 January - 15 February 2009, Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said. "
Sydney
's Chinese New Year Festival is the largest celebration of the Lunar New Year outside of
Asia
," Ms Moore said.
"The Festival celebrates
Sydney
's Chinese community and will have something for everyone to enjoy, including the first Twilight Parade, spectacular performances and unique cultural experiences."
More than 600,000 people attend the festival annually, making it one of
Sydney
's fastest growing and most popular events.
The inaugural Chinese New Year Twilight Parade on Sunday 1 February will light up downtown
Sydney
for a fun family night out.
The parade will feature 500 performers from
Henan
province,
China
, the home of the famous Shaolin temple, as well as large glowing lanterns representing the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and dramatic street lighting. Last year over 80,000 people watched the spectacular parade. This year's parade will be followed by a fireworks display on the harbour at
Cockle
Bay
.
The festival features more than 50 events including temple tours, the first ever Sydney Chinese Film Festival, art exhibitions, kids' events, history, food and cultural tours, calligraphy demonstrations, opera and banquets.
International film star and Festival Ambassador Jackie Chan invited Sydneysiders to enjoy the festival:
"The
Sydney
festival is a great opportunity to celebrate Chinese culture and heritage, eat delicious food, and be entertained by talented performers. Wishing you a healthy, happy, and prosperous Year of the Ox!"
The Year of the Ox brings good natured patience combined with physical stamina to influence the year.
This year's Chinese New Year Festival will bring the first ever Vivacity to a close - an exciting array of events, festivals and outdoor activities between December and February.
Key Events
Chinese New Year Launch Celebration - 6pm - 8pm, Thursday 23 January
Lions and dragons will come to life and red firecrackers will scare away the previous year's misfortune. See the latest in Chinese-Australian culture as performers on stage present ancient traditions with a modern twist.
Chinese New Year Markets @ Belmore Park -Friday 23 January (4pm - 10pm), Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January (11am - 10pm)
Delicious Asian food and all the glitz of traditional New Year gifts will be on offer at more than 50 stalls. Take a class in Tai chi, Chinese drumming or Lion Dancing or try your hand at mah jong. Watch a Chinese cooking demonstration or create your own Chinese New Year lantern to take home. Bike parking available, On stage, enjoy a mix of traditional Dragon Dancing, Chinese Opera, musical groups and contemporary performers.
Twilight Parade - 7.45pm - 9.30pm,Sunday 1 February
Starting at dusk,
Sydney
's streets will be transformed with a stunning night time procession of lanterns, lights and illuminated floats making its way from Town Hall to
Chinatown
. The Twilight Parade will feature 2,600 people, including 500 dancers, musicians and martial artists from
Henan
Province
in
China
.
After the Parade, enjoy a special Chinese New Year Fireworks display in
Darling
Harbour
to celebrate of the start of the Year of the Ox.
Dragon Boat Races - Saturday 7and Sunday 8 February (8am - 5pm)
More than 3,000 paddlers converge on
Darling
Harbour
for two days of heart stopping racing.
Full program will be available at www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/cny in December.
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