Chinese New Year in Sydney

Celebrating the New Year with one of the largest Chinese populations outside China

Sydney Australia has a huge Asian population, and because of that, their Chinatown is bustling. Going there in February, you will get to see and take part in the Chinese New Year celebration.

Chinatown is located on Sussex Street, only a few blocks from Darling Harbor and Cockle Bay.

Paddy's Food Market is great for fresh food.

This guy was on the street drawing a crowd with his mad Chess playing skills. At this moment he had four games of chess going on at one time. He never asked for tips, but most who spent a minute watching him play were impressed enough to offer a dollar or two.

In the heart of Chinatown, the festivities began with some dragon dancing and music. Sadly the problem with technology being so cheap, is that now everyone wants to get a photo of everything to post on Facebook or twitter.

Now, unless you have a front row spot for this than all you can see are other peoples cameras aimed high in the air as they block what little view you have left, trying to get a better shot than the next schmuck. So this is what you get. If you want to see what was going on here (and I do too) then find this guys TwitterBookSpace profile and appreciate his photos. If not, than please, carry on.

2011 is the year of the rabbit. And this rabbit created in the style of Robo-Cop was there to welcome in the new year.

A great evening parade included groups and floats from China, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Cambodia and a few more. The crowd was at least 5 people deep, so get there early if you want to get a good view.

Beautiful dancing took place by all those involved.

The Chinese Dragon.

Following the parade, the whole crowd made their way to Darling Harbor and Cockle Bay to watch the fireworks. The view is unbeatable as the barge that shoots them off is right in the middle of the bay.