Image by Fringe Festival Perth
A Review by Crystal Ngo
As the Lord Mayor of Perth, Basil Zempilas, lit the fireworks and opened the festival, an explosion of cheers and crackles erupted within the auditorium.
Perth Cultural Centre at Perth Chinese New Year Fair 2022 photo by Crystal Ngo
The Perth Cultural Centre was filled with smoke, beating drums, and families from various ethnicities and cultures. A sea of people patiently waiting for the fierce yet friendly giants to come out dressed in sequins, dancing to the beat of the drums and clashes.
Although the lion dances were the highlight of the festival, I noticed that the streets were rich in culture and fullof entertainment upon arrival. There was a range of food stalls, rides, games, and exciting cultural performances- which had the crowd manoeuvring throughout the Perth Cultural Centre and WA Museum Boola Bardip.
While idling my way through the streets, I could sense the sizzle and the steam coming from food vans. I could hear the laughter and music coming from every corner of the festival. An energy filled the air with a hunger to learn, experience, and admire the Chinese community’s cultural additions to the city.
The Chung Wah Association presented this festival to promote Chinese culture, and the goodwill of the Chinese community with the local community. Founded in 1909, the Chung Wah Association provides services and activities to take care of the welfare of the Chinese Community. Part of these services included Lion and Chinese folk-dance performances.
Photo of Chinese Folk Dancers outside WA Museum Boola Bardip by Crystal Ngo
These colourful performances were not only entertaining, but also cheerfully captivating. Zodiac lanterns were displayed along the pathway towards the museum, showcasing a uniquely beautiful aesthetic defined by cute animals and ‘instagramable’ displays.
Each member of the public embraced the culture and engaged in the traditions. I was greatly heart-warmed by the conscious effort to acknowledge that the festival was on Noongar land. Although it was a festival to celebrate the Chinese community, it felt like a celebration of multiculturalism.
Photo of the Lion dancer by Crystal Ngo
What I experienced at this festival was a crowd filled with people from all over the world. People were brought together to celebrate the Year of the Water Tiger and admire the Chinese culture in Western Australia.
As the world moves into 2022, the Water Tiger promises a year of positive changes. 2022 is a year that will bring stability and economic growth. The year is favourable for new love, relationships, and strengthening connections with family and others.
My only hope is to move into the new year with a greater connection with cultures worldwide and make new connections with the people around me. Because what opportunities or experiences are we missing out on if we choose to be exclusive?
With restrictions in travelling to other countries, we have the opportunity to experience this beautiful culture right under our noses. Our country is rich in culture. A culture filled with different traditions, religions, ethnicities, sexes, and ages. A county to be celebrated for its multiculturalism and ability to throw community events like this one.
The Perth Chinese New Year Fair is a street festival that is not only entertaining but brilliantly inclusive of all.