Sydney Lunar Festival Begins!
We’re honoured to announce that The City of Sydney has selected The Benevolent Society as the Sydney Lunar New Year charity partner of 2022. As this is occasion bears great cultural significance for many within our organisation and around the globe, we’re delighted to support one of the largest New Year celebrations held outside China.
So, gather friends and family from January 29 as we bid adieu to the Year of the Ox and welcome the Year of the Tiger. In the Chinese zodiac, each lunar year is assigned one of 12 animals that symbolise distinct social dispositions. The Tiger embodies bravery, strength, confidence, and ambition – traits that are sure to come in handy during any times of turbulence in 2022.
The Tiger is also known for its unpredictability – so it’s fitting that some of the festivities in Sydney are being scaled and adapted this year to ensure the health and safety of all attending. But COVID-19 precautions aside, the festival is shaping up to be just as vibrant, creative, and boisterous as it always has been. And given the option to attend events online from anywhere, perhaps even more innovative.
So, what’s on?
Lantern Tour
From Saturday 29 January to Sunday 13 February, twelve spectacular animal lanterns will illuminate George Street, and make for an enchanting post-sundown stroll. These are contemporary artworks that belong to an ancient tradition, and you can take a self-guided tour through the CBD and Haymarket to discover each one. Alternatively, download the Sydney Culture Walks App for the official Lunar Tour if you want the full rundown (and you’re prone to making wrong turns!).
Lunar Lanes at Haymarket
To immerse yourself in the celebrations, head to Haymarket on Saturday 29 to experience Lunar Lanes. This is a street festival brimming with live cultural performances, roaming entertainers, market stalls and DJs from 5pm. The main stage will showcase lion dancing, fusion band acts and more as a 10 metre long, luminous LED dragon weaves its way around the festivities. Seating will be in place so audience members can watch the night unfold comfortably while maintaining social distance. Masks are strongly encouraged.
Throughout the festival, talks, tours and exhibitions will be on all around the city. For 3 weekends, the Maritime Museum will host family-friendly workshops, art installations cultural performances and more, and World Square will offer 21 days of live music and entertainment plus an augmented reality treasure hunt. Throughout George, Liverpool, Hay and Alfred Street, see the lively outdoor banner artworks of five Asian-Australian artists who share what makes the Year of the Tiger meaningful to them.
Decadent Feasts
Most importantly, Lunar New Year isn’t complete without a feast. Among the most common traditional dishes eaten during this period are dumplings, long noodles (symbolising longevity), whole fish and chicken, spring rolls and Niangao (glutinous rice cakes). You will be able to find these dishes throughout the city and special Lunar New Year dining experiences, food tours, high teas, market stalls and banquets will be on offer at various venues. So, be sure to turn up with an empty stomach!
Our colourful contribution
Good news, The Benevolent Society is bringing the festivities to you through our online colouring-in competition. Download a tiger stencil of your choice here, give it a colourful makeover and submit your entry to be in the running for the first place prize: a tiger encounter at Taronga Zoo. Plus, second and third place winners will each receive a Taronga Zoo Annual Family Pass, so get out your crayons, pens, paints, or pencils and get involved!