It mostly held off or drizzled gently, allowing people to take to the streets to enjoy the varied entertainment and the many stalls selling food and all sorts of goodies.lw0

As always, the dragon and the lion dances were the highlight of the day, stunning the audience with their colour and artistry.

As the job of the dragon and the lion is to scare off evil and usher in good luck, the year should be off to a good start.

Although the actual Chinese New Year's starts on February 14, Hurstville's annual street festival, organised by Hurstville Council, has become an important cultural event.

People come from all over Sydney to meet up with friends and share in the Chinese culture.

How will you celebrate Chinese New Year?