Chinese New Year Festivities, Cabramatta

Dragon dance

I found myself in Cabramatta on Saturday, and was instantly drawn to the rhythmic beating of drums and cacophonous clashing of cymbals. Like the Pied Piper, the traditional energetic dragon dance just urges you to follow.

The locals were out in full force, enjoying the market stalls in Freedom Plaza and various entertainment and dance displays.

The giving of fruit (both fresh and candied) figures highly at Chinese New Year, and I couldn't help snapping away at the luscious tropical fruits on offer, and all the other colourful sights that make up the vibrant community of Cabramatta.

Decorations for Chinese New Year of the Pig

Rambutans

Rambutans look so pretty but I think I prefer lychees which are sweeter and juicier.

Dragonfruit

One of the prettiest fruits ever (both inside and out) yet surprisingly mild in taste.

Bolts of fabric

I wish I were craftier so I could take turn all these fabrics into pretty homemade things.

Banana cakes made with sticky rice and coconut

Dragon dance heads down the street

Longans

These taste great in summer straight out of the fridge. A bit like a perfumed juicy smooth lychee.

Wax jambu

These taste like a dry unripe nashi to me. I've never been a big fan but I know plenty who adore this fruit.

Fresh pistachio nuts

Slippers for sale

A local shopper

New Year gift of dried candied fruits

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

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

9 Comments:

At 2/12/2007 12:13 am, Anonymous said…

wonderful post .. excellent shots, very engaging and nice slice of the moment. were you using a 50mm? if yes is it 1.4 or 1.8?
At 2/12/2007 1:54 am, Anonymous said…

Hi Helen,
What a wonderful and colourful report. I ones dated a Chinese guy but other than the money exchange in little red envelopes I never saw any festivities like this on the Chinese New Year's day. I love the pistachios..the pink and green.

Greetings from Holland
At 2/12/2007 2:32 am, Kat said…

Just curious...are longans very similar to lanzones?
At 2/12/2007 1:24 pm, Kate said…

I love your posts and photos - I'm going to visit Cabramatta as soon as I can. Hopefully while the festivities are still going (and when it stops raining)
At 2/12/2007 8:52 pm, Thyme to Feast said…

I love cabramatta and I know what it can look like and I absolutely love how you so effectively brought out the beauty that it holds!

Im looking forward to going next weekend
At 2/13/2007 6:57 pm, Anonymous said…

I love Cabramatta for its pho, but have never been there around Chinese New Year. Must try to make it this weekend!
At 2/14/2007 6:08 am, Anonymous said…

re: 1.4 - am jealous.. I have the 1.8 and have a serious hankering for the 1.4
At 2/15/2007 9:25 pm, thanh7580 said…

I remember jambu when I was kid in Vietnam. However, I only liked them if they were soaked in sugar syrup, making them very sweet rather than the fairly bland normal flavour.

Cabramatta really was very busy every Chinese New Year when I used to live there. Now in Melbourne, places like Springvale, Richmond, Footscray and Sandowne also have huge Chinese New Years festivities as well.
At 2/16/2007 11:21 am, Anonymous said…

Great shots Helen! Have you tried freezing Longans or Lychees? Great for those hot summer days =).