An authentic Chinese tea ceremony and a calligraphy demonstration are on offer in Waterloo as one of many attractions during Sydney Lunar New Year.
The tea appreciation event on February 13, 14, 20 and 21, will feature dumplings, snacks, the tea ceremony, tea tastings and a talk about the history of tea. Attendees will also be able to practise Chinese “lucky chimes” calligraphy.
To celebrate the Year of the Ox, more than 80 events will take place from February 12 to 21 throughout the city of Sydney. Attractions include free concerts, lion dance workshops, roving street performances, exhibitions, tours and sumptuous restaurant feasts.
Launching this year’s Lunar New Year program, Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the Covid-safe festivities were a chance to attract people back into the city and support local businesses impacted by the pandemic.
“We were in the midst of last year’s Lunar New Year celebrations when the pandemic first hit Sydney. Almost overnight, Lunar New Year events and businesses in Chinatown and surrounds were greatly impacted,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This Lunar New Year we’re welcoming people back to the city centre with Covid-safe events, colourful decorations and roving performances that celebrate our multicultural community while supporting local businesses.
“We have also supplied close to $180,000 in additional grants and sponsorship to directly support creativity and culture.
“Our festival is the largest celebration of the Lunar New Year outside Asia. For decades, this unique and internationally recognised event has played a vital role in unifying Sydneysiders, strengthening our cultural relationships and supporting local businesses of all sizes.
“It’s also a wonderful way to showcase our city’s artists, entertainers and cultural groups. The Sydney Lunar Festival brings the community together to celebrate and put our beautiful city centre stage.”
On Saturday February 13, the City of Sydney is staging three, free one-hour Lunar Spectacular shows at Lower Town Hall, Sydney Town Hall.
Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Malaysian and Indonesian performers will share their culture, with traditional and contemporary song, dance and music, and bookings are essential.
For the full festival program and to make bookings for everything from a cocktail and dumpling masterclass to tours of the Sydney Opera House in Mandarin, visit the City of Sydney’s What’s On website.
All events will follow Covid-safe regulations. Guests are reminded to follow the latest NSW Health advice on social distancing, hygiene and staying home if unwell.
