The Chinese Association of Trinidad and Tobago (CATT) is proud to present the first major Lantern Festival and the second major Chinese cultural celebration in the history of Trinidad and Tobago. The Chinese culture is steeped in tradition, with every achievement celebrated in grandeur.We are privileged and honoured that His Excellency, Mr. Yang Youming, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China has consented to be the Patron of this 3-day event titled Lantern Festival – Celebrating Chinese Culture, to be held on October 1, 2 and 3. (Event Schedule)The Celebration will comprise the following cultural components: * Lantern Festival – an important traditional Chinese festival which was started in 208BC by the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, as a peaceful unification technique for former enemies in a new country called China. Chinese lanterns symbolize long life and good luck. * Never before seen in Trinidad and Tobago, there will be a variety specially ordered lanterns for this Celebration. There will be lanterns that are water-based, high as 14 ft. and wide as 21 ft., all lit by an electrical supply, demonstrating traditional legends and tales. Visitors will be amazed at the craftsmanship and beauty and it is said that Festival visits bring happiness and good luck, especially for family and friend relationships of success, love and harmony. A Lantern Festival visit will be educational and quietly memorable. * Tribute to Dai Ailian – dancer, teacher/choreographer and director known as ‘the mother of Chinese dance/ballet’, born in Trinidad on May 10, 1916 and died on February 9, 2006 at age 89. Dai Ailian was widely regarded in China. She deserves much of the credit for the founding in Beijing the Central Ballet, now the National Ballet. It is some measure of her achievement that a bronze bust of her is displayed in London, in the reception hall of the headquarters of the Royal Academy of Dance. * China National Day - October 1st is the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and celebrated as China's National Holiday. An important occasion, the holiday is celebrated all of the People's Republic of China.The scope of the Celebration will make it a historic event which will be significant in the cultural history of Trinidad and Tobago.
chinese lanterns shine From October 1By Kimoy Leon SingStory Created: Sep 24, 2010 at 11:55 PM ECTStory Updated: Sep 24, 2010 at 11:55 PM ECTMORE than 300 hand-made lanterns in various colours and sizes with some measuring as much as 14 feet in height and as wide as 21 feet have been imported from China for the first ever Lantern Festival, which is scheduled to take place on October 1 at the Chinese Association of Trinidad and Tobago (CATT) in St Ann's.The festival, which was launched at Kapok Hotel, Port of Spain, on September 20 seeks to bridge the cultural gap between Trinidad and Tobago and China.The festival is a three-day event which starts with a private function at CATT hosted by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Yang Youming on October 1 to celebrate China National Day.This is followed by the Lantern Festival, which starts on October 2 and will feature a traditional ten-course Chinese dinner followed by various forms of entertainment such as ribbon dance, dragon/lion dance, lantern displays and fireworks.October 3, the public is invited to come and experience the flow of ancient Chinese traditions, which will feature specially imported water-based lanterns fully lit, food, live entertainment and video presentations. Ambassador Yang will be patron of the event.The aim of the festival is to inform the people of Trinidad and Tobago about the traditions and cultures of the Chinese community; to demonstrate ways in which the local Chinese community has integrated itself into the cultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago; to use as a starting point on which to build for other initiatives with the Ambassador of China such as the lecture series entitled, "How to do business with China", and to highlight the multi-ethnic population of Trinidad and Tobago.Speaking at the launch, Minister of Tourism Rupert Griffith said, "I am quite delighted to be here today to officiate at the media launch of the first ever Lantern Festival. Following on the Bicentennial celebration of the Chinese Arrival in Trinidad and Tobago in 2006, this is the second major Chinese cultural celebration in the history of Trinidad and Tobago.""Festivals such as the Lantern Festival will only complement the competitively positioning of Trinidad and Tobago as a premier tourism destination," he said.According to a press release issued by the CATT, the Lantern Festival is one of the most important cultural activities in China which demonstrates the collection of coloured lanterns. This festival was started in 208 BC by Emperor Qui Shi Huang as a peaceful unification technique used for former enemies.The lanterns are hand-made by traditional folk artists who inherited this skill from their ancestors. The Chinese lanterns symbolise long life and good luck. It is a family event in which people come together to appreciate the coloured lanterns and enjoy the activities while solving puzzles on the lanterns and eating glutinous rice balls.Parking for all days will be provided at the Boy Scouts of Trinidad and Tobago.For further information, contact Josefita at 624 -7150 or visit www.lanternfestivaltt.com
