Themed “Mawei Ablazed with Lights, Galloping Like A Horse”, the 24th Mawei-Matsu Spring Festival Lantern Show will open in the China Shipbuilding Cultural Park in Mawei, Fuzhou on February 4 (Beginning of Spring) and last until March 8 (business suspension on February 16, the Chinese New Year’s Eve).

We have seen on the site that 28 sets of lanterns have been largely installed, falling into five categories, i.e. “The Vigor of A Horse”, “Mawei Ablazed with Lights”, “River and Sea Views”, “Ocean of Stars” and “New Year Wishes”. The lantern titled “The Vigor of A Horse” seems to sail through wind and waves in a jaunty manner. The set of lanterns created based on the image of Shen Baozhen is designed to show the charisma of our wise ancestors. The set of lanterns titled “the Spirit of Solidarity” is designed to underscore the shared bond between Mawei and Matsu, and to convey cross-strait affections. Amid all kinds of lantern sets, antique ornamental lanterns, on which famous sayings on shipbuilding are written, add festive atmosphere.

Compared with previous sessions, this year’s event will not only boast breathtaking lantern sets, but also see an overall upgrade in interaction and experience. Booths will be set up in the fair to offer delicacies from both sides of the Taiwan Strait like Taiwan oyster omelets, Fuzhou fish meatballs and four-fruit soup, which are enough to satiate tourists. The rock & roll music festival, Latin dance performances, Min Opera performances and the festooned vehicle parade will be held in succession. The lantern show featuring the harmonious co-existence of popular elements and ancient charm will offer a cultural feast from multiple dimensions.

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the founding of the Fuzhou Shipbuilding Bureau. “Aimed at cerebrating both the 160th anniversary and the imminent year of the horse, the Mawei-Matsu Spring Festival Lantern Show will combine trendy Chinese festive lanterns with the ruins of the shipbuilding industry in an organic way, and emerge as a large immersive recreational event that integrates lantern culture, adoption of science and technology, cultural creativity and bustling booths.” said Lin Tianhong, chief planner of this year’s Mawei-Matsu Spring Festival Lantern Show. (Text and Photo by Ma Liqing)