See Footscray’s sky light up with Lanterns this October
Published on 27 September 2017
One of the City of Maribyrnong’s most treasured events – the Children’s Lantern Festival – returns to the streets of Footscray on Saturday 7 October.
The Lantern Festival is a significant event in the Vietnamese community’s calendar. Held annually to celebrate the full moon and harvesting, it provides an opportunity for children from various multicultural groups to learn about and showcase their cultures and traditions to the broader community.
Festival-goers will be treated to traditional Vietnamese dancing, lantern making, cultural music, games and crafts by day, and a parade of glowing lanterns by night. Each child will be given a lantern to walk with in the parade through Footscray and to take home.
“In Australia, the Lantern Festival is a significant event in the Vietnamese community’s calendar and an opportunity for the community to participate in and contribute to the multicultural fabrics of our society.” said Vivian Nguyen, Vice President of the Vietnamese Community of Australia Victorian Chapter.
“This year’s festival celebrates the 42nd year of Vietnamese settlement in Australia. With a growing number of second generation Vietnamese Australians, this type of event is important to ensure we continue to cultivate and celebrate Vietnamese culture here in Australia and showcase it to the wider community to appreciate and enjoy,” said Ms Nguyen.
Presented by The Vietnamese Community of Australia, Victoria (VCA VIC) and the Footscray Asian Business Association (FABA), the Children’s Lantern Festival is part of Council’s Festival City program of extraordinary festivals and events. To see what else is coming up, visit www.festivalcity.com.au
Special activities on the day include:
- free lantern and gift pack for every child
- lantern parade starting at 6pm
- cultural music at the main stage
- creative lantern workshops
- cultural games for children
- martial arts demonstrations
- bonsai exhibition kiosk
- colorful lion dance
- children’s traditional costume competition with prize
Lantern Festival, Saturday 7 October 2017, 2 – 8pm, Leeds St, Footscray
More information visit www.vcavic.net or www.faba.org.au or www.festivalcity.com.au
A Word from the Mayor, Cr Catherine Cumming
“We are proud to support the Vietnamese Children’s Lantern Festival for the fifth year running.It’s always a wonderful sight to see so many glowing lanterns lighting up the streets as children and their families take part in the parade.
“Over the decades, the Vietnamese community has shared their culture with us and we're a richer City because of it.
“I encourage everyone to take part in the lantern parade and enjoy the unique Vietnamese culture and traditions on show.”
Maribyrnong News
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