Sunday, June 30, 2013

Matariki Midwinter, Lyttelton

The port of Lyttelton beats the midwinter blues with Matariki Festival 2013.
Each year the constellation Matariki (the Pleiades) reappears to signal the Winter solstice and the Māori New Year. Traditionally it was a time for remembering the dead and celebrating new life. In the 21st century Matariki has been revived as a welcome occasion for midwinter festivities featuring illuminations and fireworks.