Colours of Lunar New Year light up Parramatta

The City of Parramatta will be ringing in the Year of the Tiger with a colourful display of lanterns and street banners, authentic food offerings from local restaurants, and a special Lunar New Year booklet.

“Lunar New Year is one of our City’s most popular cultural celebrations, and this year Parramatta’s CBD will be filled with colour,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.

“Centenary Square will be lit up with our annual lantern installation, alongside street banners featuring the beautiful artwork of Chinese-Australian artist Louise Zhang.

“Her work is also included in our Lunar New Year guide, which showcases some of the wonderful traditions and customs connected to this special event.”

Louise Zhang, who was an artist-in-residence at Parramatta Artists’ Studios in 2018, said she wanted to acknowledge the many different cultures that celebrate Lunar New Year through her artwork.

“It’s important to me to express Lunar New Year as a cross-cultural, diverse, and inclusive celebration.

With that as the driving force, I’ve created a digital design that draws upon imagery that is not only of the Tiger but also those that are associated with this year’s Tiger, such as flowers, element (water) and colour. I hope the imagery allows for a broader interpretation and appreciation of the zodiac and Lunar New Year,” she said.

Cr Davis said that while celebrations have been scaled-back due to the pandemic, it was important that Council and the community continued to support local businesses and artists during Lunar New Year.

“I encourage people to come and enjoy delicious and authentic cuisines by either dining in or ordering takeaway from one of our many incredible Asian restaurants found across the City,” Cr Davis said.

The lanterns in Centenary Square will be on display until Wednesday 16 February.

The City of Parramatta Lunar New Year booklet includes information on the origins of Lunar New Year, the 12 zodiac signs, common greetings, a selection of recipes, and more. Copies are available for pick up at Council venues across the City, including library branches, Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre, and Riverside Theatres. A digital version can be downloaded from the At Parramatta website.

For more information and to download the digital booklet, visit atparramatta.com/LNY-2022.