In Chinese zodiac, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon for the community, the third largest ancestry of migrants in the Western Sydney region, according to Informed Decisions demographers.
ID estimated the Chinese current population at 231,571 across five council areas ranking third from among the top 5 ancestries in the bustling region of 2.6 million residents whose numbers are constantly growing.
In Blacktown, the Lunar New Year will ring in at the picturesque Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens within Nurragingy Reserve at Knox Road, in Doonside.
The Blacktown City Council and Liaocheng Municipality of China jointly built the 2,800 square metres garden completed in 2012 when Clr Alan Pendleton was mayor as a symbol of friendship for the two sister cities.
The architectural design of the garden based on the history of the Ming and Qing Dynasty in China is among exquisite features of the garden which has a waterfall enticing thousands of locals and visitors to Blacktown every year.
According to the Blacktown event organisers, Lunar New Year falls on the first new moon of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, so it is the distinction between the January 1 New Year traditional merriment in the Gregorian calendar.
The Hills Shire Council is holding the Lantern Festival marking the last day of the celebration of the Lunar New Year, on February 24 in an evening of festivities celebrating Asian culture, food and activities at Arthur Whitling Park, in Castle Hill.
“Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations in many Asian cultures, such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Indonesian,” Hills Shire mayor Peter Gangemi said.
“We are lucky to have a diverse population in The Hills, with more than 20 per cent of residents born in these countries.
“I am looking forward to providing all of our residents with the opportunity to celebrate with their community close to home. It will be a wonderful cultural experience.”
The Hills Chinese Association president Anna Hu said the association is proud to co-host the Lantern Festival with Council.
“This celebration recognises the significance of this holiday to Asian cultures,” Ms Hu said.
“Lantern Festival celebrates the beginning of spring [in Asia] and symbolises unity and reconciliation. It brings a piece of our homeland to The Hills and provides the entire community with the chance to celebrate and learn about different Asian cultures.”
In Parramatta, the Year of the Dragon festivity kicks off from 4pm on Saturday 10 February, marking the start of an auspicious year that symbolises prosperity, power and harmony.
Parramatta City mayor Pierre Esber said it is one of the largest cultural celebrations of the city’s diverse community and is a chance to learn about the significance of Lunar New Year to their culture and tradition.
“The heart of Parramatta will light up with activities and decorations to awaken all your senses. Come along to see the bright lanterns, giant interactive dragon installation and the roving dragon and lion dancing in the square and street food,” Clr Esber said.
“There is plenty to look forward to as we welcome the Year of the Dragon. I encourage you to come along and immerse yourself in the festivities with your family and friends.”
We’ve put together some of the Lunar New Year events to see and do organised by local councils and their Chinese communities.
Blacktown
Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens, Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside on Saturday, February 10, from 5pm to 9pm. For more details, visit https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Events-and-activities/2024-Lunar-New-Year-Celebrations
Blacktown Chinese Christian Church invites the local community from all walks of life to their Lunar New Year service on Sunday, February 11 at 9.45am. Publicity officer Tat Khoon Thum said they are holding the service in English and Mandarin and followed by a gathering over sumptuous lunch prepared by their congregation members. For more details, visit https://bccc.org.au/
Hills Shire
Lantern Festival on Saturday, February 24 at Arthur Whitling Park, Castle Hill. For more event details, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Lantern Festival.’
Parramatta
Welcome Lunar New Year – Year of the Dragon at Parramatta Square and Centenary Square family-friendly event on Saturday, February 10 from 4pm to 10pm. Dragon dancing - 4.30pm, Lions Dancing - 4.30pm & 6.45pm. Also, contemporary and folk dance and music, workshops on flower painting, calligraphy and stamp printing. More details on https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/events/lunar-new-year-2024
Cabramatta
Lunar New Year 2024 – Year of the Dragon at Freedom Plaza, Dutton Lane & Arthur Street, Cabramatta on Saturday, February 24 from 11am to 9pm and on Sunday, February 25 from 10am to 4pm. Featuring Lion Dancing, God of Fortune, amusement rides, craft activities for children and signature dishes for food lovers. For more details, visit https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/Whats-on/Events-Workshops-and-Social-Calendar/Major-Events/Cabramatta-Lunar-New-Year
Canley Heights
Jing Yee Lion Dance and String Fireworks in Canley Heights Lunar New Year on Saturday, February 3 at the Canley Heights Town Square carpark for a special performance starting at 7pm.
Cumberland
Lunar Block Party for all ages – Friday, February 9 from 5pm to 10pm celebrating the eve of Seollal and Lunar New Year featuring dancing, arts, K-Pop and Lidcombe’s Korean cuisine and other foods in local restaurants at John Street, Lidcombe. For details of other events, visit https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/lunar-new-year
