Year of the Rat events
The Lunar New Year falls on January 25 and is the 2020 Chinese New Year, Year of the Rat.
Palmerston North’s multicultural communities are inviting everyone to help them celebrate cultural diversity and to learn about the many cultures in the city.
The first event is January 18 with free Chinese painting and calligraphy, 1.30pm-3pm, in the City Library Events Central.
A free Chinese New Year cooking workshop follows on January 22 from 2pm-4pm, at the Manawatu¯ Chinese Association, 98 Napier Rd. You will need to register for this workshop.
The key event is the Happy Lunar New Year Festival in the Square, on January 25 from 11am-2pm with activities, crafts, performances, food stalls, lantern making and more.
Palmerston North City Library multicultural services officer Jeremie Corroenne says the Lunar New Year Festival will be a fantastic way to celebrate the Year of the Rat.
“It is widely celebrated with not only our Chinese, but also our Korean and Vietnamese communities.”
“The focus will be on handson activities to encourage people to engage, experience and have fun.
“People will have the chance to get a sneak peek at the Rangiwahia Environmental Arts Centre’s new lantern creations getting prepped for the Festival of Cultures Lantern Parade on February 29.”
The Manawatu¯ Chinese
Association Chinese New Year Dinner will be held at China Town Restaurant on January 26, from 6pm. Bookings are necessary.
Wrapping up festivities will be the Happy Chinese New Year showcase on January 29 from 6.30pm at the Regent on Broadway. Your $20 ticket will see you celebrating the Year of the Rat with professional performers from China, featuring acrobatics, magic, Chinese music and dance. www.ticketdirect.co.nz.
■ For information about these and other Palmerston North community events, head to Facebook and follow @PNcityofcultures, @PNCityCouncil, and @palmerstonnorthcitylibrary.