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LOCAL LIFE
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Hills Lunar Festival
Castle Hill will come alive with the vibrant beats of drums , traditional Chinese dancing , and delicious Asian eats for Hills Lunar Festival on Saturday 8 February 2025 .
Arthur Whitling Park will once again host thousands of residents and visitors to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a seven-hour feast of the senses . Guests can indulge in a variety of Asian delicacies , including dumplings , dragon beard candy , steaming bowls of ramen , and crispy Hong Kong bubble waffles .
Attendees will also be treated to captivating performances by The Hills Chinese Association , along with familyfriendly activities such as free face painting and craft stations where visitors can try their hand at calligraphy or create their very own clay snakes .
Adding to the festive atmosphere , two Wishing Trees will stand among the colourful Lunar New Year decorations , offering attendees a special opportunity to write and hang their wishes for the year ahead .
Mayor of The Hills Shire Council , Dr Michelle Byrne , said the event is a wonderful way to celebrate the Shire ’ s rich cultural diversity and vibrant community spirit .
“ Lunar New Year is a spectacular and high-spirited festival observed by many cultures across Asia . It also provides a great opportunity to celebrate our Asian community here in The Hills ,” Mayor Byrne said .
“ We are lucky to have such a diverse population in The Hills , with residents of Chinese ancestry our third largest ethnicity , and more than 20 per cent of residents born in China , Vietnam ,
Korea , and Indonesia , where Lunar New Year is an important festival .
“ It will be an unmissable evening , and I invite everyone to join in on the food , fun and festivities .”
President of The Hills Chinese Association , Anna Hu reflected on the significance of Lunar New Year to Chinese culture .
“ The Lunar New Year Festival in The Hills brings a piece of our homeland to the Shire and creates an opportunity for the entire community to celebrate and learn about Asian cultures ,” President Hu said .
“ The celebrations traditionally last for 15 days , starting on Chinese New Year ’ s Eve , and ending with the Lantern Festival on the first full moon of the lunar month .
“ Lunar New Year is the most important festival for people of Chinese ancestry all over the world . It has been celebrated for over 4,000 years , and its traditions are deeply ingrained in Chinese culture .”
Observed around the world , Lunar New Year marks the first new moon of the Lunar calendar and is a time for gathering with family and friends , reflecting on the past
Last year ’ s Lantern Festival .
year , and looking ahead with optimism .
Attendees are encouraged to catch public transport to Castle Hill Metro Station , which is conveniently located next to Arthur Whitling Park .
For more information , visit www . thehills . nsw . gov . au and search for ‘ Hills Lunar Festival .’
HILLS LUNAR FESTIVAL 2pm – 9pm , Saturday 8 February Arthur Whitling Park , Castle Hill Cultural food stalls , on-stage performances , free craft activities , free face painting and colourful Lunar New Year decorations .
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THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR ! ISSUE 116 // FEBRUARY 2025 5