A bold and vibrant red illuminated the sails of the iconic Sydney Opera House on Thursday night to mark the Year of the Horse as part of a Lunar New Year event hosted by the NSW Premier and Minister for Multiculturalism.
The event and illumination of Sydney’s most iconic landmark come ahead of Lunar New Year beginning on February 17 and marks the start of Lunar celebrations across the city and state, which include a month of fabulous feasts, spectacular shows and magnificent artwork.
Hosted by Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper, hundreds of community members gathered at the Museum of Contemporary Art at The Rocks to mark the important celebration and watch together as the Opera House was bathed in a deep red.
Lunar New Year has become a highlight of the multicultural calendar, reflecting the state’s diverse cultural heritage and the strong ties that link communities to this ancient tradition. More than 100 events are planned across NSW this year.
In Sydney, Lunar New Year festivities have grown to include street parades, night markets and cultural performances that attract both residents and visitors.
As home to one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations in the Asia–Pacific, Sydney sees a surge in tourism that delivers a significant boost to the NSW economy, and the Minns Labor Government expects that visitation surge to continue this month as the city celebrates the Year of the Horse.
Details of Lunar New Year events across the state can be found here.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“Lunar New Year is a special time to celebrate life, family and culture, and to express gratitude, hope and joy.
“As a festival it is a wonderful example of how deeply we are connected to global traditions while giving them a uniquely local twist.
“The Minns Labor government wishes all communities celebrating a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.”
Multicultural NSW Acting CEO James Jegasothy said:
“Lunar New Year is now a major fixture on NSW’s cultural calendar, celebrated by people right across the state.
“The many public events, from traditional performances to food and art, create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to come together.
“At its heart, Lunar New Year is about renewal, family and connection, values that resonate strongly across our multicultural society.”