Sydney Opera House glows red to celebrate Lunar New Year

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Multiculturalism John Ajaka tonight welcomed the Year of the Monkey at the lighting of the Sydney Opera House.

The special event was hosted by the Australian Council for the Promotion of the Peaceful Reunification of China.

“Lunar New Year is widely celebrated across the People’s Republic of China and South-East Asia, and is a major part of Sydney’s cultural life,” Mr Baird said.

“We are proud to host the biggest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia, and it was an honour to flick the switch to turn Sydney’s most recognised building red.”

This is the fourth consecutive year that the Sydney Opera House has been lit red for Lunar New Year.

“Lighting the sails of the Sydney Opera House red is symbolic of the strong relationship New South Wales enjoys with China,” Mr Ajaka said.

“This deep, diverse relationship is set to become even stronger over the coming years thanks to celebrations like this, Premier Baird’s highly productive annual visits as well as the historic Australia-China Free Trade Agreement.

“I was born in the Year of the Monkey, so this year will be particularly special for me. I wish everyone a happy, safe and rewarding Year of the Monkey.”