Downtown Auckland will soon be alive with a creative and cultural buzz inspired by Asian traditions and infused with a unique Auckland flavour.
From January 26 to February 22, visitors will feel uplifted by the colours, sounds, tastes and beats of Asia, joining millions around the world who celebrate Lunar New Year.
Throughout the festival, Auckland Council invites people to take part in the inaugural Bao and Boba promotion, which is open to people who dine in the city centre and vote for their top shop.
“Shown first at the Louvre Museum in Paris and later in London, Berlin, Kobe and Sydney among other cities, Chubby Women by acclaimed Chinese artist Xu Hongfei are coming to Aotea Square,” the council says.
“These light-hearted, body-positive sculptures of voluptuous women – reminiscent of masterpieces by Titian and Rubens – bring smiles wherever they go and open on January 26.
“The Lucky Cat figurine beckons good fortune and prosperity, so don’t miss the selfie sensation in the making.”
By the Auckland Town Hall’s clocktower people will meet a three-metre high Lucky Cat popping cute finger-hearts in Kiwi style.
In Darby Street, neon red Lucky Cats will shine from lamp posts and in Bledisloe Lane lightboxes will display Asian art.
People are welcome to immerse themselves in a free summer event transforming Te Hā o Hine (Khartoum Place) and Lorne Street into an exciting Asian street festival.
Cheer the crews in the street dance battle or relax and learn tai chi.
Enjoy delicious food on a promenade of outdoor tables where a food ambassador will share the history of each dish.
Experience a real sense of community while watching dragon dances, traditional instrument buskers, local Asian musicians and storytellers.
At Auckland Art Gallery, see the spectacular Tung Tek lion dancers performing on the forecourt, chilled sounds from DJ EDY and guitarist Sam Nakamura, bubble tea, a menu of family-focused workshops inspired by delicious yee sang, and many other Luna New Year activities.
Take the whole family to Lunar New Year in Aotea Square as part of Auckland Live’s Summer in the Square.
Experience gravity-defying dance, the Lunar New Year karaoke competition and mahjong workshops teaching the classic game, and myriad more.
Get immersed in mesmerising performances, workshops, food, games, and more showcasing the rich cultures of China and Korea on February 1 at Ellen Melville Centre.
Continue the celebration with story time for children at Central City Library on February 8 with captivating performances and interactive workshops for the whole family.
Auckland Council Lunar New Year festival director Eric Ngan says the growing pan-Asian population is an asset to Auckland.
Young Asian Kiwis are proud of their roots, enjoy life in this city, and continue to creatively evolve their traditions, he says.
“The tradition of sharing time and food together is as strong as ever in the weeks of Lunar New Year.
“The metaphors that speak to the phases of the moon – change, brightness, and wholeness – are reflected in the nature of our Lunar New Year celebrations, such as family reunion dinners, striving for harmony and an aspirational future.”
