Sydney has celebrated the Chinese New Year with a spectacular display involving fireworks, floats and thousands of performers.
Light projections transformed the central city into a busy Shanghai street on Sunday evening while fireworks lit up the sky to expel bad luck and bring in the Year of the Dragon with a bang.
Thousands packed the streets to see 3,000 performers wind their way through the city from Town Hall to Chinatown.
Parade creative director Gill Minervini says a nine-metre long dragon float with water flowing from its mouth was a highlight.
“I think the dragon really captures people’s imaginations… I guess what I try and do is look at the connecting points between Asian culture and western culture, because I think that’s what crowds really relate to,” she said.
Dancer Dina Ge was one of the performers who brought the parade to life, and says she was honoured to take part.
“I’m Chinese and I came to Australia for just two years, so this is the first time I can take part in this parade,” she said.
A group of performed from the Chinese city of Chengdu also took part in the parade, performing a traditional fire dragon dance.
Those in the crowd enjoyed the colour and the culture on display.
“It’s a good celebration, for all of us to unite,” said one man.
The City of Sydney says its Chinese New Year festivities are the world’s biggest outside of mainland China.
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