Skycity Chinese New Year celebrations kick off in style
Wednesday 28 January 2009, 10:54AM
By Skycity Cinemas
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The 2009 Chinese New Year has begun with SKYCITY leading celebrations with an explosive, vibrant launch event attended by hundreds of Aucklanders and local and international visitors to the city.
Last night’s activity kicks off with two weeks of Chinese New Year celebrations based at SKYCITY, the home of entertainment.
SKYCITY’s Chief Executive Nigel Morrison says as New Zealand’s Asian community has grown, so has the importance of Chinese New Year.
``In 2009 New Zealand is a much more ethnically diverse population than it ever has been and SKYCITY is proud to celebrate this with all New Zealanders and guests to this city.
``As our culture grows, SKYCITY will grow with it which demonstrates that our priorities are with our customers.’’
An exciting fornight’s entertainment is ahead at SKYCITY for Chinese New Year, the beginning of the Year of the Ox, running until Monday February 9.
The spectacular Hebei Acrobatic Troupe and Magic Group will perform over the next fortnight, as well as lion dances, hula hoop skills, traditional ceremonies, firecrackers and people-juggling.
The SKYCITY Sky Tower is also lit up red to symbolise fire, which according to legend, can drive away bad luck.
SKYCITY’s Atrium and Chinese restaurant, Ming Court, is themed with Chinese New Year decorations and exceptional Chinese New Year menus are on offer. Diners receive special lantern scratch tickets offering the chance to win prizes including dining vouchers, cash prizes and hotel accommodation.
The Chinese New Year festivities mark the beginning of the Year of the Ox. According to the Chinese Zodiac, people born in the Year of the Ox (1961, 1973, 1985, 1997) are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. They are also known to be mentally and physically alert. Generally easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with people born in the years of the Snake (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989), Rooster (1957, 1969, 1981, 1993), and Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984).
For further information on all entertainment please visit: www.skycityauckland.co.nz.
Note to editors: According to legend, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the Nian or ``Year’’ in Chinese. Nian would come on the first day of New Year to devour livestock, crops, and villagers, especially children. People once saw that the Nian was scared away by a child wearing red. The villagers then believed that the Nian was afraid of the colour red. Every time when the New Year was about to come, the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors. People also used firecrackers to frighten away the Nian. From then on, the Nian never came to the village again. The Nian was eventually captured by Hongjunlaozu, an ancient Taoist monk.
Also to note: photos and accompanying captions are attached. If you need higher resolution photos please contact Dorita Hollins (details below). All photos to be attributed to Phil Crawford.