​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) promoted Hong Kong's energy and cultural vitality at the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival held in Sydney, Australia, from February 28 to March 1.
 
     Over 2 000 paddlers powered through the waters in thrilling races during the two-day event in Darling Harbour. The Sydney ETO organised a Hong Kong team to compete in the Corporate Category and the Government Industry Challenge on March 1. This year's marquee races included the Hong Kong Talent Cup, Hong Kong Opportunity Cup, Hong Kong Dynamic Cup, and Hong Kong Connect Cup, with medals presented by the Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong.
 
     During the awards presentation, Mr Chong highlighted the significance of the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival as a vibrant cultural event in Sydney. He noted that dragon boat racing is a Chinese tradition and sporting event with over 2 000 years of history, which has developed into an international sport that represents teamwork, endurance, and community spirit. He further emphasised the importance of community gatherings during Chinese New Year and the positive role such events play in strengthening Hong Kong-Australia relations.
 
     The Sydney ETO set up a marquee during the Dragon Boat Festival to showcase Hong Kong’s latest developments, major city events, and talent-attraction initiatives, giving visitors a firsthand experience of the city's innovation, culture, and excitement. Souvenirs distributed at the marquee and Hong Kong-themed banners added to the festive atmosphere, highlighting the city's dynamic culture and celebratory spirit.
 
     The Sydney Lunar Festival, organised by the City of Sydney, is one of the largest celebrations of Chinese New Year outside Asia. This year the festival is held from February 14 to March 1, featuring an array of programmes including lion dancing, lantern displays, and cultural performances, as well as jet pack and firework shows.
 
     The Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival, the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere, was a highlight of the Sydney Lunar Festival, attracting tens of thousands of spectators.
 
     ​The Sydney ETO also displayed Hong Kong-themed street banners with Chinese New Year greetings at major locations across Sydney during the festive period.

Ends/Monday, March 2, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:55

NNNN