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“Gong hei fat choy” – Wishing you great happiness and prosperity. The Year of the Pig is upon us! Today, Chinese communities around the globe are celebrating Chinese New Year 2019, the most anticipated and most colourful festival also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival. This is a long celebration and this year it will last until the 19th of February, the end of the Spring Festival. 

This is the biggest festival in China and other countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam. Red colours dominate this time as it is believe to promote good luck and ward off the evil spirits. Family reunions, offering sacrifices to ancestors, firecrackers, fireworks, Lion Dance, and plenty of eating are the some the traditions during the celebrations.

I remember years ago when I was working for a Singaporean based company here in Sydney, excitement builds up during this time. Every Chinese New Year, our Company handed out yearly bonuses with ‘lucky money’ found inside in a small red envelope and other gifts. Celebrations usually culminate with a big meal in one of the restaurants in Chinatown with a splendid array of special New Year dishes. 

Last Saturday, I attended the Georges River Council Lunar New Year Festival in Hurstville, a suburb 16 kilometres south-west of the CBD. It has a vibrant Chinatown filled with shops, restaurants and pubs. Accessible by train and bus with ample parking areas.

Here are some of the highlights of the Hurstville Lunar New Year Festival 2019!

The Lunar New Year is a yearly festival along Forest Road in Hurstville, so stay tuned for 2020 celebrations. For further details check out Georges River Council website.