Monkeying around at Rotorua Night Market

27 January 2016

Chinese New Year celebration banner

Preparations for the new Chinese Year of the Monkey at the Rotorua Night Market are in full swing with confirmation it will be celebrated in style on Thursday February 11.

It will be an opportunity for many aspects of Chinese culture to shine, says Night Market manager Brigitte Nelson.

“We’ve had a great response from the Chinese community and we’ll have folk dancing, calligraphy, lantern displays, a tea ceremony, Tai Chi and the significant gifting of red envelopes,” she said.

Chinese New Year falls on February 8 and according to the Chinese Zodiac, it is the year of the monkey and a great chance to experience traditional folk customs.

“We are all so excited about what we’ve got planned and I’ve got no doubt there will be a high level of community engagement,” she said.

In addition to the activities, there will be an array of Chinese food available along with all the other usual favourite dining options that set up in the heart of Tutanekai Street every Thursday evening.

Since the Night Market expanded last month to take in another block, visitor numbers had increased, said Mrs Nelson.

“We’re seeing families spending a longer time there, they’re taking advantage of the additional eating spaces and really appreciating the opportunities the extra space allows.”

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