Culture, colour and dance is how the Chinese community will be celebrating the Mooncake Festival in Rotorua this weekend.
Multicultural Rotorua, the Rotorua Chinese Association and Newcomers Network are jointly hosting the celebration which has been acknowledged traditionally by Chinese people for more than 3000 years, dating back to theZhou Dynasty.
Rotorua Newcomers Network co-ordinator Susana So said while the festival was traditionally held in China mid-autumn, because the same time was spring in New Zealand it was celebrated at the same time here.
The event is about celebrating the harvest although traditionally it was about legend and those who fought for freedom. "It's a bit like Bastille Day in France and the Trojan horse story - a story about rising up together. In the old days people would send secret messages in the mooncakes. When I was growing up I was told they used to hide weapons inside the mooncakes."
This weekend's celebration promised to be full of colour and culture, Ms So said. "There will be a lot of traditional cultural performances and traditional dances, a chop stick dance and a flute piece. It's going to be a lot of fun."
There will be a traditional Han Dynasty Dance, Tai Chi Fan performance, Lotus Flower Dance, Chinese Flute performance, Chinese Tibetan dance and much more to enjoy.
However, the venue only caters for about 300 people so places are limited. Entry at the door is $2. "First in first served," Ms So said.
To register text your details to Susana So on (021) 1593601.
