CANBERRA, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Preparations are underway for Sydney's 2010 Chinese New Year, the biggest Lunar New Year celebration outside Asia, the local authorities said Tuesday in a release.

    The 14th Chinese New Year Festival in the city will run on Feb.12-28, with Chinese New Year's Day falling on Valentine's Day. The organizer said the coming year of the Tiger signifies luck, charisma and courage.

    According to the release, the 2010 Festival will include more than 60 events, such as dragon boat races, temple tours, film festival, art exhibitions, kids' events, food and cultural tours, calligraphy demonstrations, opera and banquets.

    More than 600,000 people have attended such festival events annually, making it one of Sydney's most popular events.

    The second Chinese New Year Twilight Parade and fireworks on Feb. 21 will also light up downtown Sydney with spectacular performances and costumes, making for a great family night out. This year's Twilight Parade attracted approximately 100,000 people to the Sydney streets.