Festival celebrates reunion

The ancient dramatic art of Bian Lian (face changing) will be performed at the Rotorua Mooncake Celebration.

A mooncake is a Chinese pastry, which symbolises reunion. These special cakes are eaten only during a traditional Chinese festival known as the Mooncake or Lantern Festival.

It is one of the most important festivals on the Chinese calendar, and tonight, the event will be marked with a Chinese cultural show in the city.

The show will feature a traditional orchestra and performing arts group, as well as an intriguing Bian Lian performance.

This ancient Chinese dramatic art of face changing in a split second is passed through lineage and nowadays, a master teaches only one student exclusively.

Traditional dance, performed by the Rotorua Chinese Dance Group, will also mark celebrations.

"Traditionally, it is an occasion spent with family members and friends, celebrating Chinese culture, reunion, thanksgiving and eating mooncakes together to foster unity," said Alexis LewGor, president of Multicultural Rotorua.

Members of the public are invited to celebrate unity alongside members of Multicultural Rotorua by attending tonight's celebration. Topping off entertainment will be a slice of mooncake, finger-food, and tea.

"We celebrate this important Chinese calendar event to preserve Chinese tradition and heritage, share its significance with the Rotorua public as well as enrich and enthral both young and old with a strong line-up of programmes," Ms LewGor said.

In Rotorua, you can purchase a special tin containing four mooncakes at your local Asian shop. Give it as a gift to your Chinese clients and friends or enjoy it with your family. Chinese families will have their own celebration at home during this time, especially on Sunday.

Details
What: Rotorua Mooncake Celebration
Where: The Banquet Room, Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre
When: Tonight 6pm-8pm
Tickets: Door sales, or call Waitsu Wu (021) 025 43473 or Susana So (022) 431 5128 Mooncake festival