On the evening of October 17th, the Chang’an Lantern Festival held an eagerly anticipated lighting ceremony at the Arcadia Racetrack at 7 PM, marking the official opening of this grand event running from October 18th to November 17th. This festival not only celebrates the spirit of cultural exchange and harmony but also commemorates the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the United States.
Among the distinguished guests present were Congresswoman Judy Chu, Consul General Guo Shaochun of the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles with his wife Wang Wei, Cultural Attaché Wang Taiyu, and California Assemblyman Ed Chau, who all took to the stage to express their congratulations on the successful inauguration of the festival. Arcadia’s current Mayor, along with hundreds of leaders from the local community, were also in attendance to celebrate.
Carissa Ye, the CEO and chief organizer of the festival, delivered an inspiring speech, expressing her honor to lead everyone on this remarkable journey. She emphasized that this is the first large-scale lantern art exhibition of its kind in the United States and hopes it will provide an unprecedented visual feast for attendees. “Tonight, as we light these lanterns, we not only celebrate their beauty but also the rich cultural exchange they represent,” she stated.
Throughout the festival, spectators can look forward to exquisite lantern craftsmanship, featuring everything from traditional Chinese lanterns to Halloween and Christmas-themed decorations. The largest lantern at the festival is an impressive 40 feet tall and 132 feet wide, making it a magnificent sight in Los Angeles and across the nation.
In addition to the stunning lantern displays, the festival offers a carnival-like experience with global cuisine, unique handicrafts, and a variety of entertainment options. From interactive gaming zones to traditional Chinese costume experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The central stage will host cultural performances each week, showcasing music, arts, and cultural showcases.
During this special occasion, Carissa extended heartfelt thanks to the dedicated teams, partners, and sponsors who contributed to the event’s success, stating, “It is your support that makes this remarkable festival possible.”
The lighting ceremony created an electrifying atmosphere with cheers, dragon and lion dances, and the sounds of drums, as distinguished guests took to the stage to illuminate the lanterns symbolizing the festival’s opening, kicking off a month-long celebration. Carissa expressed hope that the lantern art festival would provide an unforgettable experience for all visitors, fostering a vision of lasting friendship between China and the United States.
As the lanterns illuminated the night sky, the grand Chang’an Gate and majestic dragon, along with vibrant flower lanterns, symbolized hope and unity, inviting everyone into a realm of ancient elegance and modern marvels. This extraordinary event beautifully merges timeless tradition with contemporary delights, featuring 66 themed lantern sets inspired by the Tang Dynasty, prehistoric dinosaur realms (including rideable dinosaurs for children), and futuristic technology and culture.
Location: Santa Anita Park, Gate 3, Arcadia. For more information, visit: https://www.awcae.com/index.html.
