Festival Brings A Bit Of China To Miami

The Lantern Light Festival, a celebration of Chinese culture featuring massive lanterns, artistic performances and cuisine from China, is drawing holiday crowds in Miami.

Sanjay Syal, president and CEO of Pinnacle Productions Group, said the festival is China's most important celebration, marking the return of spring with the lighting of Chinese lanterns being symbolic of illuminating the future and the reunion of family.

"The festivals in China are about 20 times as large as anything you see here," Syal said in an interview.

Set on a 15-acre site at the Miami-Dade County Fair Expo Center, Pinnacle has brought custom-built lanterns from China that in some cases stand over 30 feet high, according to Syal.

A team of 80 Chinese artisans needed three months to complete the lanterns, which are made from sculpted steel and hundreds of pieces of silky cloth. Hundreds of lanterns illuminate the night, including a 400-foot-long dragon and a castle attendees can walk through.

Syal said his company also built displays to reflect the local Miami community.

"We modified the festival by adding Christmas trees and holiday decorations," said Syal. "We also have a beach scene that represents Florida tourism."

Syal said Pinnacle, an event manager that has branched out into live entertainment events, worked with the Chinese culture society in Houston to ensure authenticity in the festival.

Ticket prices range from $19 to $23 for the event.

"We are averaging about 12,000 to 15,000 people on a weekend," said Syal. "Of course we promoted the festival to the Chinese community, but the majority of our attendance is made up of non-Chinese."

In addition to displays, entertainment is provided by Chinese acrobats and musical performances by Chinese artists. "A food court features Chinese cuisine," added Syal.

Business consultant Li Yun, a native of Shanghai who has lived in the Miami area for 14 years, said the festival helps to keep alive mainland traditions in the Chinese community.

"For Chinese Americans, the festival feels like you are home again," she said. "It's another way that we can bring our culture to the community."

After the Miami run is over, Syal said the festival will head to Memphis, Tennessee, where it is set to open on March 23.

paulwelitzkin@chinadailyusa.com