New Zealand Events and Festivals

2/22/2008 - 2/24/2008Asian Lantern Festival

The Asian Lantern Festival takes place on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar year, and attracts crowds of up to 140,000 to Auckland's beautiful Albert Park. Hundreds of brightly coloured lanterns, commissioned and imported from China and Singapore, embellish the park throughout the festival. A succession of cultural events unfolds, including traditional music and theatrical performances. Delicious Oriental food satisfies the most demanding of appetites, and shoppers are tempted by a profusion of unusual gifts and household products at the many craft stalls. The festival forms part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, a tradition which the Chinese community shares with the people of Auckland and its visitors. The non-stop entertainment includes dragon and lion dance groups, and martial arts demonstrations