Thousands gathered to bask in the warm glow of handpainted lanterns on Friday evening, marking a successful start to the inaugural Chinatown BIA Lantern Festival.
The festival was held on September 9, as a celebration of the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.
“It is time that we can actually admire the moon, the lights, and we celebrate with mooncake, tea, and family getting together,” said Grace Su, Chairperson for the Chinatown BIA.
“That’s been part of the culture for thousands of years, so lanterns are a significant symbol of what this festival is about.”
She said that the BIA held the festival this year, after a delay caused by pandemic related issues in 2021.
“We just want to have a festival that we can actually celebrate our culture at the nighttime.”
The Chinatown BIA is planning on making the festival an annual event.
Photos from the inaugural Chinatown BIA Lantern Festival
Calgary’s Chinatown BIA holds its first Lantern Festival on Friday, September 9, 2022. ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARYOne of the hand painted lanterns at the Chinatown BIA Lantern Festival on Friday, September 9, 2022. ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARYCity of Calgary lanterns at the Chinatown BIA Lantern Festival on Friday, September 9, 2022. ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARYCalgary’s Chinatown BIA holds its first Lantern Festival on Friday, September 9, 2022. ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARYA couple dances at the Chinatown BIA Lantern Festival on Friday, September 9, 2022. ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARYDancers take part in the first ever Chinatown BIA Lantern Festival on Friday, September 9, 2022. ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARYMusicians play at the first ever Chinatown BIA Lantern Festival on Friday, September 9, 2022. ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARYA happy face is drawn onto a balloon light at the Chinatown BIA Lantern Festival on Friday, September 9, 2022. ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARYOne of the very popular LED balloons from the first Chinatown BIA Lantern Festival on Friday, September 9, 2022. ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARYA woman is framed in an LED balloon at the first ever Chinatown BIA Lantern Festival on Friday, September 9, 2022. ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARYStaff prepare the popular LED balloons at the first ever Chinatown BIA Lantern Festival on Friday, September 9, 2022. ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARYA pair of lanterns cast light and shadows during the Chinatown BIA Lantern Festival on Friday, September 9, 2022. ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARYA woman takes a video of the hand-painted lanterns at the Chinatown BIA Lantern Festival on Friday, September 9, 2022. ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARY
