New Zealand Events and Festivals

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

Repeating the success of the long-running event in Auckland, the Asian Lantern Festival was first held in Christchurch in 2004 and attracted an estimated 35-40,000 people. Hundreds of brightly coloured lanterns, commissioned and imported from China and Singapore, embellish Victoria Square 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 Christchurch and its visitors. The non-stop entertainment includes dragon and lion dance groups, martial arts demonstrations and numerous other cultural performances