When The Captain asked me if I wanted to go the Auckland Lantern Festival, my first thought was ‘really, Lanterns, that sounds kind of boring’…..
…but our friends Bev and Robbie from S/V Mersoleil had raved about it, and they were going, so I decided to attend.
I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The event fed my on-going addiction to color including plenty of orange to make me glad.
And ignorant me, I learned that Lantern Festivals are a really big deal!
Part of the Chinese New Year celebrations since the Han Dynasty (206 BC-221 AD) …..
…..Lantern Festivals are usually held on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar which marks the end of New Year festivities.
The Lantern Festival is also popularly referred to as the Chinese Valentine’s Day…..
….because in days of old it gave girls and boys a rare chance to go out in the evening without chaperones.”
The Auckland Festival has been running for 16 years and is held in Albert Park.
On the evening we attended, the Park was jam packed with celebrants.
In addition to the extensive display of beautiful lanterns (I have only shared a small percentage of them here)….
…..the Festival offered a multitude of entertainment for all ages…
Squid Skewers
and some of the yummiest, most affordable food that we have found in New Zealand.
All for the entry price of $0.
So if you are visiting Auckland at the conclusion of the Chinese New Year….
….check out the Lantern Festival.
You will be glad that you did.
Mani (A New Life Wandering) March 6, 2015
these are great!
Lisa Dorenfest March 6, 2015 — Post Author
You are lovely to say so! Thank you so much. It was truly a magnificent festival!
KleesButterfly March 6, 2015
Lantern festivals are always beautiful, a fest for photographers. Unfortunately, we don’t have it at my place (MidWestGermany).
Lisa Dorenfest March 6, 2015 — Post Author
Well I was lucky to happen upon one in Auckland 🙂 You are right, a Lantern Festival is truly a delight for photographers! I am looking forward to seeing more festivals when I sail Asia. Still, you seem to have a lot of beauty to photograph in Germany albeit without a Lantern Festival 🙂
Nurul Lubis March 6, 2015
Stunning Photos…
Lisa Dorenfest March 6, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much Nurul! Lovely to meet you.
Brenda March 6, 2015
These are great! and the lanterns are awesome! There is a multi-cultural festival on here in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, today which I hope to get to. Will be great for photos if the promised rain does not spoil it.
Lisa Dorenfest March 6, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much Brenda! I just looked up the multi-cultural festival in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay and so wish I could be there to attend. It looks like an amazing time with a diverse selection of yummy food.
Brenda March 8, 2015
We didn’t get to go unfortunately. The weather here was just awful yesterday. Extremely windy.
Lisa Dorenfest March 8, 2015 — Post Author
Same story in Gulf Harbor. Gusting to 35 knots in the anchorage. Rain, sun, rain, sun, rain, sun.
spiritofdragonflies March 7, 2015
These photos were great!! I have never been to a later festival so I’m glad you selected these photos!
Lisa Dorenfest March 7, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you for having a look Sandy and for your lovely compliment!
brittabottle March 7, 2015
Looks like a wonderful time, Lisa!
Lisa Dorenfest March 7, 2015 — Post Author
It was Britta! Always great to hear from you!
DCS March 7, 2015
Great Story & pictures! Keep it up.
Lisa Dorenfest March 7, 2015 — Post Author
You are lovely to say so Duncan! Thank you as always for your support!
pattyalcala March 7, 2015
Your photos are so vibrant and beautiful. What a wonderful day that must have been. Thank you for sharing some of Auckland.
Lisa Dorenfest March 7, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you Patty!
pattyalcala March 7, 2015
You’re welcome.
Brenda March 8, 2015
Hi Lisa
My hubby just told me you called yesterday to let us know about the problem with my photography blog. Thank you so much. We’ve got Hostgater looking into it now.
He was upset at himself because he didn’t think to get your phone number so I could call you back. If you ever get to Napier in your sailing around New Zealand, please call again. I’d love to meet up with you for coffee or a drink! 🙂
All the best….Brenda
Lisa Dorenfest March 8, 2015 — Post Author
You are very welcome Brenda! Let me know when Hostgater gets it sorted as I am looking forward to seeing your photography. I will definitely give you a shout if I get down to Napier way. I hear it is lovely and I would truly love to visit if our schedules permit.
kirsten March 8, 2015
Wow, those lanterns are amazing. Who knew lantern’s could be so artistic. That looks like an amazing festival!
Lisa Dorenfest March 8, 2015 — Post Author
Thanks for stopping by Kirsten. The lanterns really were works of art, a very unexpected treat!
Linda Arthur Tejera March 8, 2015
Wonderful photos! What a fun celebration! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest March 8, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you for your compliment! It was very much fun!
dunelight March 8, 2015
Awesome photo essay!
Lisa Dorenfest March 8, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much!
restlessjo March 8, 2015
It looks brilliant, Lisa 🙂 Who wouldn’t love the rabbits? And that hatching egg is amazing.
Lisa Dorenfest March 8, 2015 — Post Author
🙂 The Dinosaur Egg was my favorite lantern of the festival. Really, an unexpected work of art.
Mark Roope March 9, 2015
Lisa, you must have been in photography heaven. Amazing pictures.
I have never heard of the lantern festival before so thank you for bringing it to me in your wonderful photos and explanation. The work that has gone into some of those lanterns is amazing and for it to be free with some beautiful street food. I am sure it is a day you will never forget.
Lisa Dorenfest March 9, 2015 — Post Author
You always know how to put a smile on my face Mark. First through your very entertaining blog posts and now with your lovely compliments. I am glad to know that I was not the only one who was unaware of lantern festivals :-). I hope the weather improves soon in the Med. Looking forward to continue to follow your adventures!
thebluespade March 9, 2015
Thank you for posting these wonderful shots. You captured some brilliant photo eye candy there. You’ve got to be amazed you did go to this festival.
Lisa Dorenfest March 9, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you for your kindness! It was wonderful to be surrounded by so much beautiful art – definitely ‘photo eye-candy’ 🙂
rosemaylily2014 March 10, 2015
What amazing lanterns Lisa they are all so imaginative! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest March 10, 2015 — Post Author
They truly were beautiful to see Rosemary! A pleasant and unexpected surprise.
Marjorie Moeling March 16, 2015
Very, very cool. I think that the unexpected finds as you travel are by far the best. I was in Thailand for a short vacation after business, and it was the holiday of Loi Krathong. We were invited to make krathongs that you float on the ocean in the full moon. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen and I promised myself that, if I ever return to Thailand, it will be on loi krathong. So good for you for absorbing the local culture and seeing what they’re proud of and what they celebrate. We Americans have no idea of the beauty and culture we’re missing.
Lisa Dorenfest March 16, 2015 — Post Author
Great to hear from you Marjorie! And I totally agree with you on ‘the unexpected is by far the best’. I had not heard of the Loi Krathong holiday so googled images. I can not wait to see that when I sail to Thailand in a year or two! AMAZING. Maybe we will be there at the same time 🙂 Now that would be cool.
Karen Thurman March 16, 2015
What fun! I especially love the swans and the baby dragon emerging from her shell. They’re all amazing though.
Lisa Dorenfest March 16, 2015 — Post Author
You are lovely to say so Karen! Those were my favorite two as well :-).
littledogslaughed March 16, 2015
Wonderful images-I cannot imagine how amazing and beautiful it was to see the lanterns in person-thank you for sharing this!
Lisa Dorenfest March 16, 2015 — Post Author
You are wonderful to say so Meg! Thank you very much!
themofman March 21, 2015
Are these all really made out of rice paper?
Lisa Dorenfest March 21, 2015 — Post Author
That is my understanding. Pretty cool, huh?
psychologistmimi March 21, 2015
so cool and beautiful
Lisa Dorenfest March 21, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you Mimi! Truly works of art!
Marilyn Albright March 26, 2015
Wonderful photos of a spectacular event! The egg is my favorite.
Thanks a lot for visiting and liking my blog!
Lisa Dorenfest March 26, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much for your kindness Marilyn. Very much enjoying your wonderful blog
Helen C April 5, 2015
Amazing! This Chinese has never seen so many beautiful lanterns! What a treat!
Lisa Dorenfest April 5, 2015 — Post Author
🙂 I am so very glad you think so Helen! And I am so looking forward to following the beauty you are sharing through your ‘1000 Photos Project’.