Chatswood Year of the Pig Festival 2019

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Posted 2018-12-02 by finy ⇒ follow

Sat 26 Jan 2019 - Tue 19 Feb 2019

In 2019, it will be the Year of the Pig and the Chinese New Year starts on Tuesday, 5th February 2019 and ends on 24th January 2020. The year of the Pig 2019 comes right after the Year of the Dog (2018) and before the year of the Metal Rat (2020).

The Pig is the 12th of all zodiac animals and it is said that the Jade Emperor proclaimed that the set up would be decided by the order in which they arrived at his party. The Pig was late as he had overslept! Yet a different story says that a wolf destroyed his house and he had to rebuild it before he could leave. When he arrived, he was the last one and therefore could only take 12th place.

Now the Pig has a chubby face and big ears and the story goes that these are signs of fortune as well. Pigs supposedly have a lovely personality and have good fortune in life! Whether you actually believe these myths or not, it is still fun and interesting to hear these ancient explanations and fascinating how these tales are celebrated each year!

In Chatswood, they will be celebrating the Year of the Pig Festival from 29th January to 19th February 2019. You will be able to have sensational New Year Asian festivities without ever leaving Sydney.

For the first time ever, Chatswood will be holding this three-week-long cultural celebration, Chatswood Year of the Pig Festival. It is brought to you by the Willoughby City Council and supported by the Precinct Partner General Chao, Golden Sponsor Westfield Chatswood and cultural support from ACIAC and the Chinese Cultural Centre.

Some of the events during this period include:

[b]GOLDEN MARKET[/b]
This will be on from 29th January to 8th February 2019. Chatswood Mall will be turned into a replica end-of-year market, the likes of which is often found in cities across Asia. Here it is customary to buy new clothes and other wares to welcome the new year in. The Golden Market will have over 35 unique stallholders selling food, decorations, toys, flowers, and clothes.

There will be themed decorations and you can take photos with the lanterns, the inflatable pig and their pig mascot. There will also be entertainment and activities and these will include calligraphy as well as some fabulous musical performances.

There will be a large Victoria Harbour backdrop and as the sun sets, you will almost get the feeling that you have been transported from Chatswood right into the heart of Hong Kong – and furthermore, you will not need to get on a plane!

[b]NEW YEAR ART EXHIBITION[/b]
This will be held from 29th January to 11th February 2019. The Chinese Cultural Centre presents an exhibition celebrating the Year of The Pig. There will be an Art Space on The Concourse where you will be able to see this free exhibit.

[b]FLICKS FOR PIGLETS[/b]
This will be on from 29th January to 19th February. The fun will also continue into the evenings, so bring along your picnic rug and chairs to The Concourse Urban Screen where you can enjoy the nightly free flicks.

There will be some family-friendly movies screening each night including both Chinese (with subtitles) and English movies for the younger people. These films will include such classics as [i]Babe and Peppa Pig[/i] as well as some new favourites, including [i]A House of Happiness[/i].

You can, of course, buy a meal at the Concourse or a takeaway meal to have while watching the movie. There are many options for meals available here, even for the fussy eater.

[b]TASTE OF ASIA FOOD TOURS[/b]
If you are anything like me, this food tour will be one you will not miss! Join the award-winning Taste Cultural Food Tours on a tasting adventure in Chatswood, which is now known as Sydney's newest and most exciting Little Asia.

During the last few years, Chatswood has become an exciting area for authentic Asian cuisines and culture. It now has the best brands and many unique family-owned businesses.

On this tasting and culture tour, you will be able to taste the traditional and the modern, authentic and fusion and this will be a pleasurable experience! Why not try some of the best Asian dishes on offer, at the same time learning about the history of Chatswood as well as the culture of its residents.

This tour is not an ordinary food tour! If you enjoy learning about new cultures, countries and communities and you love to eat new foods, then this is an event not to be missed. The local food guides will share their secrets on where the best places to eat are and where to shop for the most authentic dishes and fresh ingredients.

Bookings are essential and you can make your bookings here .

Costs are:
Adult $99
Concession $89
Youth $79
Child $55

The tour will take 3½ hours, needs medium walking fitness and is not suitable for vegetarians.

[b]CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS[/b]
This event will be held on Saturday 9th February.

This is presented by the Chinese Cultural Centre and will welcome in the Year of The Pig at the annual Chinese New Year Celebration Day. This is one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations that is held in the whole of Sydney.

The celebrations will begin with a welcome ceremony at 11.00 am and then be followed by spectacular dragon and lion dances which will weave down Chatswood Mall. Community groups and performers will be there to provide live entertainment throughout the day and this will include Chinese opera, magic shows, and face changing.

This is an event that is well worth going to and one you do not want to miss!

[b]LUNAR NEW YEAR TWILIGHT PARADE[/b]
This parade will be held on Saturday 16th February.

This is the inaugural Lunar New Year Twilight Parade and it will feature a traditional Lunar New Year street parade.

It will begin at Chatswood Interchange then walking through Chatswood Mall and down Victoria Avenue to the corner of Anderson Street. Chatswood is set to come alive with a display of lion dances, drummers and traditional Chinese dancers.

After the parade has finished, you can get yourself comfortable at one of the many restaurants which are close by and which serve excellent food.