The Year of the Tiger is roaring into Hurstville this week with the Little Lunar celebration kicking off Georges River Council's month-long In Good Taste food festival.
This Friday, January 28 food lovers will be able to immerse themselves in a feast of culinary Asian flavours ranging from yum cha and Hawker style street food to dumplings and steamy pork buns.
And a bustling marketplace and roving entertainment will transform the streets of Hurstville with the sights, sounds and tastes of Asia including with. lion dancing and the classic red lanterns.
Georges River Mayor Nick Katris said, "Georges River's lunar festival started 19 years ago, it has been a much-loved fixture on the local cultural calendar and a major drawcard for locals and visitors.
"At the heart of any Lunar New Year celebration is generations of family and friends coming together with delicious food to celebrate."
"With majority of people around the world celebrating the occasion in winter, we have the privilege to experience it under the summer stars in the best part of Sydney."
Little Lunar will be the first event of the In Good Taste festival which celebrates the food and culture of the local area, renowned for its multicultural communities.
In Good Taste Little Lunar Night Markets highlights include:
- Lunar foods:
The heart of Hurstville will become a foodie's paradise with some of Sydney's best Asian dishes under the moonlight. Diners will have the opportunity to stimulate all senses with Mrs Wang's fresh dumplings, pork buns; Meraki Eats & Co.'s Hoisin duck tacos, Chinese style stir fried mushroom tacos, Street Food Project's pulled pork rolls.
The Cane Juice Bar will offer freshly squeezed icy sugar cane juice to refresh your taste buds for more of the tantalising food adventure.
- Lion Dances - 5.30pm and 6.30pm along Forest Road and McMahon Street
Fabulous, bright and loud, lions will be dancing in perfect harmony to the beat of the drums, echoing through Forest Road and McMahon Street to herald a lucky New Year's Day.
- Feli the New Year Tiger - three-metres tall sculpture at Hurstville Plaza.
Feli comes from the scientific family name of the Tiger 'Felidae'. It also means happiness, good fortune, and good luck.
Feli was created to welcome visitors with open arms into the Hurstville CBD with a playful meditation pose that symbolises a connection with health and inner peace. Tigers are guardians of their families showcasing the caring and nurturing side of this majestic animal.
- 3D Tiger chalk art - corner of Forest Road and McMahon Street
Created by internationally acclaimed 3D and Trompe L'oeil optical illusions artist Jenny McCraken, a giant 3D tiger chalk artwork is expected to attract many curious spectators to Hurstville during Lunar New Year.
- Lunar lanterns and lights - Hurstville Plaza and Forecourt on McMahon Street
From Monday 17 January, the heart of Hurstville will be lit by classic red lanterns and creative light projections, adding to the festive atmosphere under the starlight.
- SBS Tiger Paw footprints
Follow the SBS tiger paw footprints; let the paws lead you to the wonders of Lunar New Year celebration! You sure won't miss the bright orange and black tiger fur pattern footprints on the streets - a reliable guide to lead you to our special events.
- Lunar trees - section between Forest Road and McMahon Street
Trees in Hurstville will join the party with wool-yarn-bomb style outfits that take inspiration from the ancient art paper-cut designs, applying everything red to the tree trucks. Fairy lights will be their jewelleries, adding tinkling sparkles to branches and the evening sky.
- Roving performances:
There will be an array of colourful live entertainments roving the streets of Hurstville, including juggling, giant inflated tiger, Eddie Spaghetti's Year of the Tiger balloon giveaway, Asian cultural dances and the God of Wealth red pocket handout for an extra prosperous year.
For full event program please visit: Georges River Council - In Good Taste
