"I can feel the festive atmosphere here," she said. Due to the pandemic, the Australian National University student who arrived in Canberra a year ago was unable to go back home this year. "But I will share the video and photos that I take here with my parents, and tell them I am good."
Alicia Beaumont went to watch the performances with her husband, mom and two daughters. It was their first time to join in a Lantern Festival celebration.
Talking about the reason why she decided to come, she said: "have a look at different culture, and for our children to learn a different culture as well". Her daughters were six and three.
Admitting that they might not be able to understand details of the Chinese culture, the 38-year-old woman said they did enjoy the performances, especially the dances.
Martial arts performer Dencio said he had been learning Kung Fu for about 20 years. His wife was from Chinese background and they celebrated Chinese festivals.
"It is always good to see such a diverse range of people come out to the Lantern Festival, not only from the Chinese community, but also people who are interested in all the performances that are happening," he said. "We always get a very good feedback from everybody."
