Carnival celebrates Art Deco

MICHAEL FOWLER'S HISTORIC HAWKE'S BAY

After the 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake destroyed most of the Hastings and Napier CBD buildings, they were rebuilt in the styles of Spanish Mission, Stripped Classical - or what we now call "Art Deco".

This weekend will see celebrations of things Art Deco, and almost 80 years ago, in November 1932, Hastings had a carnival to celebrate its new buildings - which included the parade pictured.

Featured in the background is the Westerman's building, built in the Spanish Mission style, which was opened two weeks after this parade.

Note that the style of clothing for those watching the parade is what many will be wearing this weekend.

A character called "King Carnival" was, for the duration of the four-day festival, handed control of Hastings by Mayor George Roach.

King Carnival decreed the citizens of Hastings, now under his kingdom's rule, shall join with each other in "fun and frivolity".

And 80 years later, King Carnival would no doubt approve of "the not-too-serious" celebrations during GEON Art Deco Weekend.

Michael Fowler will be taking an Art Deco/Earthquake Tour of the Hastings CBD today at 11.30am, from the Hastings iSite. Bookings at the Hastings iSite.