Although different cultures share the same New Year’s Day, people around the world mark the occasion very differently with distinctive traditional practices.
How is Australia celebrating?
The celebrations include concerts, exhibitions, tours and banquets throughout the celebrations and artists will hold roving performances through Haymarket.
Sydney is hosting what it claims to be the biggest Lunar New Year festival outside Asia, with more than 80 events over the 16-day celebration. Source: AAP / STEVEN SAPHORE
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the festivities would revitalise Chinatown, which had been hit harder by the pandemic than other parts of the city.
“We’re hopping into the Year of the Rabbit with a fabulous festival that will breathe new life into the area, helping businesses make the most of pent-up demand,” Ms Moore said.
“For me, Lunar New Year is all about community, family, and of course, delicious food,” Ms Sitou said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Member for Reid Sally Sitou attended Lunar New Year celebrations in Burwood, Sydney. Source: AAP / JEREMY NG
“I think this Lunar New Year more so than any other has been a really emotional time, it’s really been an opportunity for us to get together and really celebrate that sense of community, so it’s been fantastic.”
Brisbane’s festivities are being held in Fortitude Valley while other capital cities are hosting street parties, performances and exhibitions until 4 February.
The Year of the Rabbit or the Year of the Cat?
In China, the Year of the Rabbit started at midnight on Saturday.
According to the twelve zodiac signs in Vietnamese culture, 2023 is the Year of the Cat, rather than the Rabbit. The first day of the Lunar New Year is called Tết Nguyên Đán.
COVID-19 concerns linger in China
Authorities expect nearly two billion passenger trips during the total 40-day travel season, which is still about 70 per cent of the pre-pandemic travel volume.
People pray at the Chinese temple during the Lunar New Year celebrations in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Source: AAP / Sipa USA
But despite the festive mood in the country, the New Year celebration is again overshadowed by the pandemic.
Local health care in these areas is only very rudimentary, and modern hospitals are often several hours away by car.
“I am most worried about the rural areas and farmers. Medical facilities are relatively weak in rural areas, thus prevention is difficult and the task is arduous,” Mr Xi said, adding that the elderly were a top priority.
People select decorations in Wuhan City in central China’s Hubei Province for the festivities. Source: AAP / AP
China reported a large jump in COVID-19 hospitalisations in the week to Sunday to the highest since the pandemic began, according to a report published by the World Health Organisation on Thursday.
