Lunar Fest 2010 lights up on Granville

Videos

2009 LunarFest: Lantern-A-Mania Post Event Video

see larger video

sourced by Jessica Tucker

As light lookers flock to the 700 Block of Granville Street this afternoon for the Lighting Ceremony of the 2010 Lunar Fest, upon arriving they will be greeted by the world’s first Totem Lanterns. These lanterns have been placed to welcome visitors as they enter the Lantern Forest, one of the main programs provided by the annual festival. Opening to the public at 4:30 pm on January 22, 2010, Lunar Fest will be presenting two programs both located on Granville between Georgia and Robson Street, the Lantern Forest: Return to Innocence and the Love, Life and Light program.

“As part of Cultural Olympiad programming, Lunar Fest is Canada’s premier presenter of contemporary expression in Asian arts and culture. It endeavors to reach new Canadians and those who have been here for many generations to share in the diversity of Canada. It also encourages and fosters the collaboration of Canadian and International cultural presenters to create new forms of artistic expressions. Lunar Fest is a festival that brings together Soul, Art and Life on one stage.

During Jan 22nd- Feb28th 2010, a Lunar New Year celebration like no other will take over the grounds of Downtown Vancouver with thousands of lanterns decorated by school age children and large commissioned lantern displays. This free public display of lanterns as well as gathering of artisans and cultural performances brings together the celebration of Lunar New Year and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic spirit.”

Source: http://www.lunarfest.org

The Totem Lanterns that will welcome the many visitors host artist renderings of the Canadian Salmon found prominently on Canada’s Totem Poles fused carefully with the flying fish so common to Taiwan. Upon entering the Lantern Forest overwhelmed eyes will find a collection of lanterns selected from “thousands of submissions by school children from Taiwan and Canada.”

Visitors will also be able to view a project created by the Public Dreams Society, the Love, Life and Light program at the Lunar Fest this year boasts ten “original themed lanterns created together by professional artists of Taiwan and Canada.”

For those who cannot attend the Granville Street viewing, a second viewing will commence on February 9 through the 28th at the Richmond City Hall Plaza.