It Ain’t Started ’til It’s Started at Sydney Lunar Festival

2020 is underway.

In the past it has taken time for the new year to establish itself, shed the loose skin of the previous year and reveal a whole new patch of subcutaneous tumours.

But in 2020, we’ve not even cleared a month and not only are the tumours of 2019 still pulsating, large and somehow more malignant, but an actual deathly contagion is quickly spreading through many parts of the world.

The universally accepted ethos of January has been one of patience, to wait until things shift into place, like contemplating an impressionist painting. But it’s 2020, the horrors of the world are on speed and Monet was f**king blind.

We’re no longer waiting for the genius of a work to make itself apparent to us, we’re looking at the cause of a fatal car crash.

So, screw patience.

Let’s just do the start of the year over again at Sydney Lunar Festival.

Yes, celebrate Lunar New Year in spectacular style in Sydney. 2020 is the Year of the Rat. The rat is the first sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle, so 2020 can be considered a year of new beginnings and renewals.

Haymarket is the centre of Sydney’s Lunar New Year celebrations. The street party kicks off with live entertainment, roving performers, golden rat robots, games, lion dancers, markets and food trucks. At the nearby Chinese Garden in Darling Harbour there will be a special Twilight Garden Party.

The fun continues in the garden for 16 days with calligraphy and lantern decorating workshops, meditation sessions, traditional tea ceremonies, musical performances and a closing ceremony with a 15-metre dragon. Don’t miss the exciting dragon boat races on Cockle Bay!

At Circular Quay, 12 huge lunar lanterns representing the animals of the zodiac will be on display. There will also be parades of bright LED lions and dragons on every weekend. Also, head over to the lantern-strewn Lunar New Year markets at The Rocks to pick up gifts, jewellery, art and food.

Happy New Year redux!

Try not to think about what’s actually happening in China.

 

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