Cultural performances and lanterns are set to light up Dominion Rd to celebrate the popular Moon Festival from 9 to 11 September.
The ancient Festival is an important holiday in Chinese culture. On this day (mid-Autumn and harvest time in China), it is believed that the Moon is at its brightest. The lantern decorations symbolise beacons that light people’s path to prosperity and good fortune.
“As a local board, we are committed to events like this as it celebrates the stories and culture of our diverse community. I encourage people to get along and enjoy some food, performances and time with family and friends.,” says Albert-Eden local board Chairperson Margi Watson.
After scaled back celebrations over the last two years, this year’s celebration is especially important to the local Chinese community and restaurants in Albert-Eden.
Dominion Road dubbed Auckland’s ‘World Within a Street’ is the go-to place for Asian, East Asian and South-East Asian food. During the Moon Festival weekend, local restaurants have special offers on. This way people can make the most of the celebration with their family and whānau.
“It is fantastic we can go ahead this year. The festival is a time for gathering with family and friends. There will be some amazing installations and light set-ups, coupled with a programme of street music, performers and buskers at the Balmoral and Eden Valley roads,” says event facilitator, Cheng Goh.
The Festival is funded by the Albert-Eden Local Board and produced by the Balmoral Chinese Business Association and the Dominion Road Business Association.
The Dominion Road Business Association’s General Manager Gary Holmes says, “Our local restaurants, businesses, artists, performers and volunteers are looking forward to putting on an exciting and memorable experience for Aucklanders to enjoy.”
Aucklanders can look forward to street and cultural performances on each day of the Festival from 5.30pm onwards at Balmoral Road and Valley Road.
On Friday, 9 September the Dragon and Lion Dance procession will begin at 5:00pm from the Balmoral shops and performers will work their way towards the rotunda at Potters Park where the opening ceremony will take place.
There will be a new installation of lighting display at the Capitol Cinema over the weekend.
For more information visit moonfestival.nz
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