The Chinese New Year Festival is a fifteen-day celebration that holds special meaning and traditions for each day. This festival is not only celebrated in the Chinese community but also in wider Asian communities. The way the Chinese New Year Festival is called and celebrated may vary across different Asian countries depending on their culture and history. While some countries may refer to it as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, others may use different names for the celebration. Despite these differences, the festival is generally celebrated around the same time and involves similar traditions and customs.
Christchurch Lantern Festival was a great example of how festivals can bring people together to celebrate cultural diversity and look forward to the future. As the pandemic subsides and the border reopens, it will be more important than ever to have a variety of festivals and events to encourage face-to-face communication and understanding between different communities.
Therefore, the Chinese Advisory Group has decided to host an event during the Chinese New Year period to involve all other ethnic groups and locals, to celebrate the festival together. In addition to promoting cultural exchange and understanding, the Chinese New Year Festival can also be a great opportunity to support local businesses and promote economic growth. The festival can attract a large number of visitors, both local and overseas, who will be interested in exploring the different activities and events on offer. This can create opportunities for local businesses to showcase their products and services and attract new customers.
Moreover, the festival can also help to promote tourism in Christchurch. Many visitors come to Christchurch to experience the unique and diverse cultural offerings, and the Chinese New Year Festival can be an excellent opportunity to showcase the city’s cultural richness. The festival can also help to create a positive image of Christchurch as a vibrant and inclusive city, which can attract more visitors and investors to the region.
The program of the celebration event consists of two parts: the Chinese New Year (CNY) outdoor celebration and a business forum. The CNY outdoor celebration will feature a range of activities, including lantern displays, music performances, food vendors, and Chinese traditional games/arts. Collaborations between local and Chinese artists will create a unique and diverse cultural experience for attendees. Demonstrating traditional Chinese games and arts can also be an interactive way to engage with visitors and help them learn more about Chinese culture. Food vendors will offer traditional food and drinks from both local and Chinese cuisines, providing a taste of the rich cultural diversity that exists within the Christchurch community.
The business forum is an excellent opportunity for local and overseas businesses and investors to come together and catch up with the latest developments in their respective industries. This forum will help promote investment and economic growth in Christchurch, and provide a platform for businesses to connect and collaborate with one another. The forum will also provide valuable insights
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into the Chinese market and help local businesses to expand their reach and explore new opportunities.
Overall, the Chinese New Year Festival is a significant event that can bring people from different communities together to celebrate diversity, promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures, support local businesses, and promote Christchurch economic growth. By embracing cultural diversity and promoting social harmony, Christchurch can continue to thrive as a vibrant and inclusive city.
