The forthcoming 17-day celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year in the largest city Down Under will not only mark the Year of Dragon but also feature Komodo dragons and giant pandas. Clover Moore, Sydney's mayor, has launched the 2012 festival with event supporter Taronga Zoo and one of its permanent residents, a giant Komodo dragon. "What the Chinese New Year does is celebrate traditional Chinese culture and, of course, cutting-edge arts and business events. We have some significant business forums. I think a very important part of our parade is the 'Twilight Parade' with acrobats, singers, dancers, community groups and live music that will be held on Sunday, the 29th of January." Moore says the Chinese partner city of this year's festival is Chengdu in Sichuan Province, an area in southwest China famous for its deliciously spicy food and home of the giant panda. She also says the celebration has already become a symbol of Sydney, a city that has incorporated different cultures.