Cultural festivities to welcome in new year

You can ring in the Year of the Dragon with the events held across Cumberland from Friday, February 9 to Sunday, February 11.
Held across three days, the program will boast a number of fun-filled festivities including the Lunar Block Party in Lidcombe, the Lunar Concert in Auburn and Lunar Local in Berala.
Cumberland Mayor Lisa Lake said Lunar New Year was a good opportunity for the community to get together and celebrate an important cultural tradition.
“The Lunar New Year is an important time of year for many, symbolising new beginnings, coming together and a fresh start for everyone celebrating,” she said.
“The council events provide all members of the community with an opportunity to enjoy this cultural tradition with their family and friends, while learning about and experiencing the Asian cultures that celebrate this event.”
The Lunar Block party that will be held on Friday, February 9, will be a new addition to this year’s event programming, and will encourage visitors to explore downtown Lidcombe and discover some of the best Korean food in Western Sydney as well as the range of culturally diverse local restaurants along the main street.
There will also be a vibrant entertainment program including emerging Asian Australian musicians, K-POP style dance, live art by Sydney-based Korean Australian street artist Sam Absurd and an Asian Comedy Showcase.
The Lunar Concert on Saturday, February 10, will feature a stage program of live performances, lion and dragon dancing and lanterns as well as food stalls.
Meanwhile, the Lunar Local event on Sunday, February 11, will include a morning of community crafts and traditional lion and dragon dancing throughout the main street of Berala.
This year the Lunar New Year will celebrate the Year of the Dragon which symbolises power, good fortune, strength and health.
2024 Year of the Dragon
The Dragon is the fifth of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese Zodiac. According to Chinese Horoscopes, the Year of the Dragon in 2024 will bring luck, wealth, power and opportunities for growth and renewal.
The Year of the Dragon is said to be one of the luckiest and most prosperous, full of unprecedented opportunities. It is also a year to unleash creativity and passion to pursue dreams with courage and confidence.