Vibrant Taiwan culture parade

After a successful inaugural event last year, New Zealand Taiwan Day returns to Auckland’s Aotea Square this weekend.

Various Taiwan-based and New Zealand community groups will gather to introduce the island’s arts, music, dance, cuisine, scenery, economic advancements and unique products to visitors. An acrobatics troupe from the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts will perform for 45 minutes each day from 12.30pm.

‘‘They’re well trained professional artists, their performances are fun to watch and full of cultural characteristics,’’ Taiwan Day organiser Stella Lu said.

While it’s ’’for fun and friendship’’, the celebration was also an opportunity for stallholders and visitors to hatch new ideas.

About 10,000 people attended the event last year to soak up the vibrant performances and delicious cuisine, Lu says. Taiwan and New Zealand have a long established connection, given some historical studies suggest there is a clear lineage running from Taiwanese and Maori, organsiers said.

‘‘We invite all communities from Auckland to experience the rich and colourful culture of Taiwan, and to build more understanding and friendship between communities,’’ Lu said.

* Taiwan Day is on September 9-10, 10am-6pm, at Aotea Square, Auckland City. Free entry.