CANBERRA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- On the fifth day of the Year of the Horse, Woolley Street in Dickson, the Australian capital's unofficial Chinatown, hosted more than 10,000 people from diverse cultural backgrounds at a grand celebration of the Chinese New Year.
In Canberra, a city of just around 480,000 residents, such a turnout was remarkable.
The celebration of the Chinese New Year is one of Canberra's most important cultural celebrations of the year, said Andrew Barr, chief minister of the Australian Capital Territory, noting that the Canberra-Beijing sister-city relationship has now spanned more than 25 years.
"Canberra is one of the most multicultural cities in Australia, with people from all over the world, and our Chinese community is the second-largest diaspora community in Canberra," Barr said, highlighting the significance of celebrating the festival at the heart of Woolley Street in Dickson.
Stretching along the street, the celebration unfolded as a vibrant corridor of culture and cuisine, with performance stages set up at both ends. At the entrance, beneath a striking vermilion ceremonial archway, stood the Cultural Stage, marking the official welcome. At the far end, the Main Stage, adorned with glowing red lanterns and bamboo fans, dominated the skyline.
Of the more than 25 performances staged throughout the day, over two-thirds featured traditional Chinese elements, including lion and dragon dances, kung fu, yangko folk dance, classical Chinese song and dance, and pipa performances.
The celebration kicked off with an energetic lion dance on the Main Stage, as five vividly colored lions leapt and swayed to the thunderous rhythm of drums and cymbals.
Sheng Chen, who gave a yangko performance with her group, said that she feels honored to present Chinese culture to local residents. "We've taken part in the event for several years. We're proud to showcase our traditional dance to the wider community," she said.
"The performances are so great, we've had a really nice time," said a woman attending the event with her son, both holding traditional pork skewers. She added that the lion dance was their favorite. "We're so glad to be part of it."
In between the stages, the thoroughfare buzzed with dozens of lively stalls. Food vendors offered tantalizing flavors, while market booths showcased traditional Chinese arts, including live calligraphy demonstrations, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage as they strolled.
At the center of the street stood one of the most popular interactive installations of the event -- the Chinese Zodiac Gallery. Set against rich red drapes, panels dedicated to each of the 12 zodiac animals displayed detailed infographics explaining the five elements -- wood, fire, earth, metal and water -- along with personality traits and auspicious symbols.
Aishani, a local resident, discovered she is a Water Horse. "It says I'm reliable, amicable and very charming," she said with a laugh, adding that she would pace her energy wisely in the New Year, following the zodiac advice.
Two little girls left their wishes on the already fully-written wish board alongside the gallery's introduction panel. "All love and strength to my family in the Year of the Horse," one of them wrote.
The celebration concluded with a vibrant zodiac parade led by the lion dance troupe, followed by a performer in an elaborate horse costume embodying the spirit of the Year of the Horse.
The procession, featuring a colorful array of artists and performers, wound its way from the Main Stage toward the Cultural Stage. Along the route, crowds lined the sidewalks, cheering loudly and raising their phones up to capture the moment, turning the entire street into a sea of joyful noise and flashing lights.
Reflecting on the changes she has witnessed over the years, Sheng said the celebration has grown steadily in scale and recognition. "Each year, it feels bigger," she said.
"I'm glad to see Chinese traditions gaining greater visibility and appreciation here in Canberra. I hope the Chinese culture can be shared and appreciated more in the community," she noted. ■