It’s one of Asia’s biggest celebrations and now local residents get to enjoy an evening of culture and tradition at Howick’s first Moon Festival.
Howick Local Board is partnering with the Pakuranga Chinese Association for the 22 September event, which will not only showcase Asian culture but reflect the area’s diverse population.
“As well as performances from the Chinese and Korean communities, the line-up also includes groups representing India, Russia, Romania, Chile and of course New Zealand,” says the local board’s Ethnic, Migrant and Māori Affairs portfolio lead, Peter Young.
“We really want to initiate and support projects and events the gives our community opportunities to celebrate and showcase diversity so we are delighted to launch our own moon festival – which we hope will become a regular and iconic local event.”
As well as performances, people can enjoy great food – including traditional moon cakes and activities and there will even be some giveaway for children including mini moon cake/biscuits, glow sticks.
Of course the star of the show is the moon itself, which is why the event has been scheduled in the evening.
Pakuranga Chinese Association spokesperson and event organiser Barry Hung says another feature of the evening is a designated area where different types of tai chi will be demonstrated throughout the evening.
“We’ll also have mini, electric bonfires to represent the tradition of using light to worship the moon and we want to encourage families to come along, bring a blanket or a folding deck chair and sit back and enjoy other traditions like mooncake and fruit.”
About the Moon Festival:
In China the Moon Festival is traditionally known as the mid-Autumn Festival and falls at the time when the moon is at its most bright. This year that is on 24 September.
The round shape of full moon represents perfection, reunion and harmony.
What: Moon Festival 2018
When: Saturday 22 September. 4-10pm.
Where: Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga.
Free entry.
