Faces of the Festival: Community stories behind Wellington’s Lunar New Year celebrations
At the heart of the Wellington Lunar New Year Festival are the people who bring it to life — artists, performers and community groups whose traditions, creativity and stories shape the celebrations each year.
Lunar New Year is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world, observed by more than 2 billion people across Asia and the global diaspora. Countries and regions that mark the New Year include China, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, The Phillipines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and communities throughout the Pacific, Europe and the Americas.
Faces of the Festival is a series of articles shining a light on the individuals and community groups involved in the 2026 festival programme. From vibrant performances and workshops to food, craft and cultural experiences, each story reflects the diversity of cultures that celebrate Lunar New Year in Wellington, and the shared values of connection, generosity and cultural pride they bring to enrich the festival for audiences of all ages.
These profiles showcase authentic expressions of culture — rooted in tradition, yet reimagined to resonate with people beyond their own communities. The passion and commitment of these people transform the festival into more than an event — it becomes a place of exchange, learning and belonging.
Follow the series to meet the people behind the programme, discover the stories that inspire their work, and experience the rich cultural tapestry that makes the Wellington Lunar New Year Festival one of the most anticipated events in the city’s calendar.