Chinese New Year Parade, Sydney

After a week of rain, the skies cleared just in time for the annual Chinese New Year parade down George Street. Plenty of colour, drums and cymbals kept the crowds entertained, and who can ever get enough of the adrenalin-inducing lion dancers!

A special visiting contingent from Shaanxi, China provided elaborate costumes, dextrous performers and an awe-inspiring spectacle of men dressed as the famous terracotta army buried with the Emperor of Qin in 210-209 BC. Add some ominous marching music for an instant parade highlight.

Favourite quirky costumers where these gorgeous Chinese banquet tables disguised as ballroom dresses.

And when the parade was over, the lions continued their hard work down Dixon Street, bringing good luck to local businesses with dancing fueled by lettuce leaves.

The 2008 Sydney Chinese New Year Parade was held on Sunday 10 February 2008.

Related GrabYourFork posts:
2007 Chinese New Year Parade
2007 Chinese New Year Festival Launch, Belmore Park
2007 Chinese New Year Festivities, Cabramatta

2006 Chinese New Year Parade
2006 Chinese New Year Markets
2006 Chinese New Year Eve: the build-up
2006 Chinese New Year Eve: the feast

2005 Chinese New Year Parade: Part I
2005 Chinese New Year Parade: Part II
2005 Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Races
2005 Chinese New Year Children's Fair
2005 Chinese New Year Chinatown History Tour
2005 Chinese New Year Chinatown Markets
2005 Chinese New Year Sze Yup Temple Tour

8 Comments:

At 2/11/2008 8:25 pm, Anonymous said…

Awesome pictures..!! i love the dim sum gals.. :) see i told you i missed home.. muahhaha!!
At 2/11/2008 10:07 pm, OohLookBel said…

Oh wow, your photos are fantastic, it's like being there! I missed it because I had to go to the Star City buffet with family for new year lunch. The parade looks heaps better, haha!
At 2/12/2008 10:43 am, Kelly said…

Happy new year Helen!

Looks like a great parade. I love the terracotta warriors and the walking banquet tables!
At 2/13/2008 1:05 am, Helen (Grab Your Fork) said…

Hi Mama Bok - Those dresses were just too cool. A great idea for the next fancy dress party :)

Hi Belle - A buffet lunch doesn't sound like a bad alternative :) Hope you enjoyed it and happy new year to you and yours!

Hi Kelly - Thank you :) They were both my favourite too!
At 2/13/2008 7:33 am, Par said…

The parade in your area is much better then the one in NYC. I hope to attend one day.
At 2/14/2008 9:44 am, Nora B. said…

The terracotta army is such an awesome idea! How fantastic!
At 2/17/2008 6:56 pm, Terri @ A Daily Obsession said…

and i thot KK's the best place for CNY! i must go to Sydney for the CNY parade next year. n your pics r getting from best to bestest! what camera is this again (but of course it's not just the arrow but the indian tt takes excellent pics) :D
At 2/18/2008 1:34 am, Helen (Grab Your Fork) said…

Hi ilovepearly - I'd love to one day attend the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade :) Grass is greener, right?

Hi Nora - I loved their costumes. Imagine having one of those for your next fancy dress party!

Hi Terri - Aww thanks. I use a Nikon D70s. And you'll have a great time in Sydney - plenty of good eats :)