The Lantern Festival

The growing influence that Southeast Asia and China have on New Zealand can clearly be seen at Auckland’s Lantern Festival. The festival occurs at the end of Chinese New Year (yes, Chinese New Year Festivities ended a while ago, we’ve just been too busy to update the blog). It showcases food from southeast Asia and China, entertainment from China, and, as its name implies, lanterns: beautiful and amazing lanterns created in and imported from China.

When you speak to native Aucklanders about the festival they’ll mention how much more crowded it has become. This should not be surprising since New Zealand is increasingly looking towards its neighbors in Asia. More of New Zealand’s exports go to China as the Chinese have become more wealthy, and are able to afford New Zealand beef. At the same time the British, since joining the European Union, have been importing less from New Zealand. The number of immigrants from China and Southeast Asia has also increased dramatically. Many of the recent immigrants are on the younger side, so they tend to live in the Central Business District close to where the festival is held, and are looking for a party.

Has there ever been a mass of people awaiting a dragon that has collectively looked more nonplussed than this group? Not to my knowledge.

We were lucky enough to be joined by our good friend Aldo. Aldo never looks nonplussed.

The lanterns were amazing. They were made by Chinese artisans skilled in the ways of lantern making, passed down from generations. It's cliched but true.

Rachel and our friend Josh pass through the lantern gate

With great happiness comes great sorrow. Rachel's balloon popped, but she was able to get over it. Eventually.