{"id":428472,"date":"2026-09-18T13:27:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T13:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dailybanglanewspapers.com\/news\/hktb-launches-first-ever-international-lantern-spectacular-at-victoria-park\/"},"modified":"2026-09-18T13:27:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T13:27:00","slug":"hktb-launches-first-ever-international-lantern-spectacular-at-victoria-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailybanglanewspapers.com\/news\/hktb-launches-first-ever-international-lantern-spectacular-at-victoria-park\/","title":{"rendered":"HKTB Launches First-Ever \u201cInternational Lantern Spectacular\u201d at Victoria Park"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<p><em>Links Citywide Mid-Autumn Festivities, Drawing Visitors and Driving the Tourism Economy<\/em><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><\/p>\n<table align=\"center\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse\">\n<tr>\n<td style=\"max-width:50%;width:50%;min-width:50%;text-align: center;vertical-align: middle;vertical-align: top\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"International Lantern Spectacular_1\" height=\"416\" src=\"https:\/\/ml.globenewswire.com\/Resource\/Download\/1b27adff-9b51-496e-948c-78244400af54\/international-lantern-spectacular-1.png\" width=\"600\" data-dpi=\"330\" data-caption=\"International Lantern Spectacular_1\" data-filename=\"International Lantern Spectacular_1.png\" \/><\/td>\n<td style=\"max-width:50%;width:50%;min-width:50%;text-align: center;vertical-align: middle;vertical-align: top\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"World Lantern Boulevard_Launch_2\" height=\"416\" src=\"https:\/\/ml.globenewswire.com\/Resource\/Download\/2d71a0c1-ddb9-45b4-b643-6ac261960d14\/world-lantern-boulevard-launch-2.jpg\" width=\"405\" data-dpi=\"240\" data-caption=\"World Lantern Boulevard\" data-filename=\"World Lantern Boulevard_Launch_2.jpg\" \/>\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"max-width:50%;width:50%;min-width:50%\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<td style=\"max-width:50%;width:50%;min-width:50%\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p align=\"justify\">HONG KONG, Sept.  18, 2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\" target=\"_blank\">(GLOBE NEWSWIRE)<\/a> &#8212; The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) launched its first-ever <strong>International Lantern Spectacular<\/strong> today (17 September) at Victoria Park. Featuring more than 3,000 distinctive lanterns from 20 countries and regions, alongside a collection of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Nanjing Qinhuai lantern installations and traditional Hong Kong lanterns, the event has attracted large numbers of locals and visitors to enjoy the displays and capture memorable photos. Together with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department\u2019s Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026, Victoria Park has been transformed into a dazzling sea of lights, kicking off Hong Kong\u2019s Mid-Autumn Festival season. The celebrations invite locals and visitors alike to go beyond the lantern displays and discover festive delicacies, shopping experiences and authentic local traditions while sharing in the joy of the occasion.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><strong>HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam<\/strong> said, \u201cHKTB has scaled up the Mid-Autumn celebrations this year and created a brand-new large-scale international festive experience that can be found only in Hong Kong. Through the International Lantern Spectacular, which blends global cultures with traditional Mid-Autumn elements, we are linking up a diverse range of citywide festivities, including next week\u2019s Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, along with a variety of tourism and spending offers from industry partners. By bringing together local culture, festive experiences and tourism-related consumption, we aim to transform the unique charm of Hong Kong\u2019s traditions into a compelling tourism draw, leverage tourism to drive the economy and further showcase Hong Kong\u2019s position as Asia\u2019s Events Capital.\u201d<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><strong>Victoria Park Transforms into a Global Sea of Lanterns as Robots Add an Innovative Twist to Traditional Festivities<\/strong><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse\">\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;vertical-align: middle;vertical-align: middle\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"International Lantern Spectacular_2\" src=\"https:\/\/ml.globenewswire.com\/Resource\/Download\/984f5a82-5e16-4a2d-ac70-0738ff512a15\/international-lantern-spectacular-3.png\" data-dpi=\"330\" data-caption=\"International Lantern Spectacular_2\" data-filename=\"International Lantern Spectacular_3.png\" \/><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p align=\"justify\">The International Lantern Spectacular is themed around \u201cReunion\u201d, blending tradition with innovation, and local heritage with international cultures to deliver a unique festive experience found only in Hong Kong. In addition to the lantern displays, two robots add a creative technological dimension to the Mid-Autumn celebrations. Developed by ChangingTek Robotics Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., robot \u201cHanyue\u201d demonstrates the art of lacquer fan-making \u2013 an intangible cultural heritage \u2013 by performing steps such as floating lacquer, dipping, swirling and lifting the fan. Meanwhile, \u201cGalbot ET1\u201d, developed by Galbot, presents dance performances that bring together technology and tradition, offering a refreshing new way to experience the Mid-Autumn Festival.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">The <strong>World Lantern Boulevard<\/strong>, located along the walking trail near the Model Boat Pool, features more than 3,000 distinctive lanterns from 20 countries and regions across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America. As locals and visitors stroll through the dazzling displays, they embark on an immersive global cultural journey through lanterns from around the world. Display panels along the Boulevard showcase the historical origins and unique cultural characteristics of various lanterns, offering visitors insights into diverse folk customs and festive traditions via the art of lantern-making. By bringing together lanterns from around the world in one location, the Boulevard reflects Hong Kong\u2019s role as an international city, where people from across the globe come together to celebrate the spirit of reunion during the festive season.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">The <strong>National Intangible Cultural Heritage Nanjing Qinhuai lantern<\/strong>-making team created four giant lantern installations exclusively for Hong Kong. Among them is <strong>Shadowlight<\/strong>, an eight-metre-tall signature lantern inspired by Hong Kong\u2019s iconic banyan tree. The pioneering walk-through Qinhuai lantern installation allows locals and visitors to wander through layers of interwoven light and shadow beneath its illuminated canopy.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">Located at the South Pavilion Plaza, the enchanting lantern corridor\u00a0<strong>Lotus Fish<\/strong> features 12 large, illuminated lotus leaf installations, complemented by vibrant carp displays. Stretching along the pathway, the installation invites locals and visitors to set off a captivating Mid-Autumn lantern journey through the park.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">At the Water Fountain Plaza, <strong>Dragon Gate<\/strong> features a pair of leaping carp forming a circular motif, complemented by intricately hand-painted auspicious cloud and water patterns that take on a translucent, radiant glow after dark. At the Model Boat Pool, the seven-metre-tall <strong>Moonlit Lotus<\/strong> creates a captivating scene as its luminous full moon is reflected alongside illuminated lotus lanterns on the water, evoking the enchanting beauty of a moonlit lotus pond.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">The distinctly local <strong>Hong Kong Lantern Galleria<\/strong>, located in Victoria Park\u2019s Hill Knoll Pavilion, showcases more than 1,000 traditional handcrafted local lanterns in nearly 20 classic designs, such as goldfish, rabbit, star fruit and lotus flower. Recreating lively scenes of traditional street-side lantern-viewing celebrations, the display highlights Hong Kong\u2019s unique Mid-Autumn traditions and evokes the charm and nostalgia of the festive season.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><strong>Lantern Gazing and Mooncake Savouring for a Heartwarming Mid-Autumn Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">HKTB has partnered with Po Leung Kuk to set up a specialty mooncake booth at the South Pavilion Plaza in Victoria Park from now until 20 September, selling a wide range of specialty mooncakes, including Suzhou-style mooncakes from Shanghai, Yunnan ham mooncakes, and Chiuchow-style mooncakes filled with taro paste, black bean paste or mung bean paste. All proceeds will be donated to Po Leung Kuk for charitable purposes, adding a heartwarming touch and festive flavour to the lantern-viewing journey.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><strong>Citywide Festivities and Special Offers Encourage Visitors to Extend Their Stay and Discover Hong Kong<\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">Alongside the International Lantern Spectacular, the city will host a range of major Mid-Autumn activities, including the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance from 24 to 26 September. To help locals and visitors plan their festive itineraries, HKTB has curated a citywide roundup of Mid-Autumn highlights and offers presented by shopping malls and merchants across Hong Kong. These include lantern-viewing and photo-taking hotspots, culinary experiences, special promotions on mooncakes and festive souvenirs, shopping rewards and seasonal markets. By encouraging visitors to go beyond Victoria Park and explore various neighbourhoods, the initiative showcases Hong Kong\u2019s festive charm, where Eastern and Western cultures converge and tradition meets modernity, while stimulating visitor spending and benefiting the wider tourism economy.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">For details, please visit the \u201cMid-Autumn Month\u201d thematic page on Discover Hong Kong:<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\/Tracker?data=wRTZyzGRSY1yMifVNYybV8RQeZby6tR8Is07DP2ChpK4GZfnssFpcQULCoz7y8EBK7WV5Bq_N0IwgQl9n4MUpMaMj9Xx1dCdZKRxjb3Ow6D_pcLa85tKS4eS3ReBRMlDV_NbW50d95vYkjVY1gpqtn9JdvS-X6wBoiqASDgJ3_yFAWICTqB9hXGjA39JzOUFYki3Z5UwkSpskLgBIxkddF60m1x_NDSQ81SWDlip9xE=\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">https:\/\/www.discoverhongkong.com\/eng\/events\/mid-autumn-festival.html<\/a><strong>\u3000<\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><strong><u>Details of the International Lantern Spectacular <\/u><\/strong><br \/><strong>Location:<\/strong> Victoria Park <br \/><strong>Date: <\/strong>17 to 27 September<br \/><strong>Lighting Hours: <\/strong>6:30pm \u2013 11:00pm (extended to 12am on 25 September)<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><strong><u>Robot Performance Details<br \/><\/u><\/strong><strong>Intangible Cultural Heritage <\/strong><strong>Lacquer Fan-<\/strong><strong>Making by <\/strong><strong>Robot \u201cHanyue\u201d<\/strong> <br \/><strong>Location: <\/strong>Soccer Pitch No. 1, Victoria Park<br \/><strong>Date: <\/strong>17 to 27 September<br \/><strong>Demonstration Times: <\/strong>6:30pm \u2013 10:30pm<br \/><em>(On Mid-Autumn Festival Day, 25 September, the above demonstration will only be available from 6:00pm to 7:00pm to facilitate crowd management)<\/em><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><strong>Dance Performance by Robot \u201cGalbot<\/strong><strong> ET1\u201d<\/strong><br \/><strong>Location: <\/strong>Soccer Pitch No. 1, Victoria Park<br \/><strong>Date: <\/strong>17 to 21 September<br \/><strong>Performance Times: <\/strong>7:00pm \u2013 10:00pm<em> (one session every 45 minutes; each session lasts 5 minutes. Performance times may be adjusted subject to weather conditions and on-site circumstances.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><strong>Members of the media can download the press release and photos from the following links: <\/strong><br \/><strong>Press Release:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\/Tracker?data=wRTZyzGRSY1yMifVNYybV8RQeZby6tR8Is07DP2ChpK4GZfnssFpcQULCoz7y8EBr0mV27LMwE8R8Uw5gsTaf0vbeG2Dvc9IEUYnhmzbOAorA1x3NBLKXKugzEySF6TsO_AOGHWnQAYJ9VdtHHQNQvvWs9HgiPuIVzuNDj2KcE3FgCT9QOoxpP2SdXvNacMUKYaMkXIVrwNeqw9rKO_jX7Jj_SlZnsqB5ykkfypWUe4=\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">https:\/\/www.discoverhongkong.com\/eng\/hktb\/newsroom\/press-releases.html<\/a><br \/><strong>Photos:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\/Tracker?data=wRTZyzGRSY1yMifVNYybVx9OKDUOshMgXK8Mj_PIGwCR-tMv2mD1eth9Xmlu0usyiumae5k4INZp4w9o9sQ-iyaBZF5oM3DhNJ6AW__xgyLD2QGLx2fiPAWF8pe2Um3BkEfPceOf5PpclJYVF5DublvZYnTO_N003tlQ78S16zuHZHO2yHlLn26iHHGH3Bva-j5M8cH6wkQToazBKwIkVK3V6m4egyiK-5E_nAhWJkcBUzTlXdVDzmv5NjBnfX2XUC70jVvrbXjGo6kGvfLfvXWByYKbyGm1FfXlwHVShpM=\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">https:\/\/assetlibrary.hktb.com\/assetbank-hktb\/action\/browseItems?categoryId=2617&amp;categoryTypeId=2<\/a><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><strong>For media inquiries, please contact: <\/strong><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse\">\n<tr>\n<td style=\"max-width:25%;width:25%;min-width:25%;text-align: justify;vertical-align: middle;vertical-align: top\">Ms Natalie Chan<\/td>\n<td style=\"max-width:25%;width:25%;min-width:25%;text-align: justify;vertical-align: middle;vertical-align: top\">Tel: 2807 6216<\/td>\n<td style=\"max-width:50%;width:50%;min-width:50%;text-align: justify;vertical-align: middle;vertical-align: top\">Email: <a href=\"mailto:natalie.yt.chan@hktb.com\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"natalie.yt.chan@hktb.com\">natalie.yt.chan@hktb.com<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: justify;vertical-align: middle;vertical-align: top\">Ms Janus Lai<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: justify;vertical-align: middle;vertical-align: top\">Tel: 2807 6428\u00a0\u00a0<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: justify;vertical-align: middle;vertical-align: top\">Email: <a href=\"mailto:januslai@hktb.com\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"januslai@hktb.com\">januslai@hktb.com<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: justify;vertical-align: middle;vertical-align: top\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: justify;vertical-align: middle;vertical-align: top\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: justify;vertical-align: middle;vertical-align: top\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p align=\"right\"><strong>Appendix 1 <\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Details of World Lantern Boulevard<\/strong><br \/><em>Location: Walking Trail near the Model Boat Pool<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>*Brazil: Festa Junina Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Inspired by Brazil\u2019s Festas Juninas, or June Festivals, this lantern reflects the joyful spirit of celebrations held across the country, especially in the Northeast. The festivals honour Saints Anthony, John and Peter, while celebrating rural traditions and community life.<\/p>\n<p>Music, lively dancing, regional food, bonfires and fireworks bring colour and energy to streets and gathering places. With its bright patchwork-inspired design, this lantern echoes the festive decorations of the season and reflects the communal joy, cultural pride and welcoming spirit of Brazil\u2019s June Festivals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>China: Mid-Autumn Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In Chinese culture, lanterns are an essential part of Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Held on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, the festival brings families and friends together to admire the full moon, share mooncakes and celebrate reunion and harmony.<\/p>\n<p>Lanterns illuminate homes and public spaces, adding colour, warmth and festive cheer to the evening. Children carry lanterns through the streets, while families and friends enjoy solving lantern riddles, often written on slips of paper attached to the lanterns. This lantern celebrates the joy of gathering, the beauty of the autumn moon and the enduring charm of Chinese Mid-Autumn traditions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>*France: La Marche des Lampions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Inspired by the French lantern tradition known as La Marche des Lampions, or Retraite aux flambeaux, this display celebrates a festive custom most famously associated with Bastille Day, France\u2019s National Day on 14 July. Families and children walk through town streets carrying brightly coloured accordion-style paper lanterns on wooden sticks, creating a joyful sea of light.<\/p>\n<p>Usually cylindrical or spherical and lit by a small candle or LED, the paper lanterns accompany processions often led by a local marching band or firefighters. The walk commonly leads to a town square or the site of Bastille Day fireworks, bringing communities together on a French summer evening.<\/p>\n<p><strong>*Germany: St Martin\u2019s Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>St Martin\u2019s lanterns are an important part of St Martin\u2019s Day celebrations across Germany, held each year on 11 November. The tradition commemorates St Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier who later became a bishop and is remembered for his kindness and compassion. According to legend, he shared his cloak with a beggar in need on a cold winter\u2019s day.<\/p>\n<p>Children traditionally make colourful lanterns at school or nursery using coloured paper and simple craft materials. On St Martin\u2019s evening, they carry their lanterns through towns and villages in singing processions, spreading light through the autumn darkness. In many regions, children also go from door to door to receive sweets, celebrating sharing and community.<\/p>\n<p><strong>India: Handcrafted Festival Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Handcrafted by skilled artisans, these lanterns bring the warmth and vibrancy of Indian culture to the World Lantern Boulevard. Made using waterproof materials, each lantern features intricate motifs inspired by India\u2019s heritage, mythology and festivals.<\/p>\n<p>Their warm glow symbolises unity, hope and the shared spirit of celebration between India and Hong Kong. Displayed together, the lanterns create a captivating fusion of light and colour, inviting visitors to experience the beauty of Indian craftsmanship and the timeless message of togetherness during the festive season.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<br \/><strong>Indonesia: Damar Kurung Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Damar Kurung is a traditional lantern from Gresik in East Java and is recognised as part of Indonesia\u2019s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Made with a rectangular wooden frame and distinctive triangular corners at the top, it is covered with brightly painted panels that tell stories through images.<\/p>\n<p>Often described as a storytelling lantern, its four sides come together to form a visual narrative of religious observances, coastal life, markets and everyday community experiences. During Ramadan, Damar Kurung lanterns light up Gresik during festive celebrations, bringing people together to celebrate local creativity, cultural identity and living heritage.<\/p>\n<p><strong>*Laos: Traditional Lao Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Traditional Lao lanterns are cherished cultural treasures, created for major religious and national festivities such as Boun Ork Phansa, the Festival of Lights, and the Boat Racing Festival. They illuminate temple courtyards and bring colour to community processions, while also appearing in homes, hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions.<\/p>\n<p>Especially iconic in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city, these lanterns bring together age-old tradition and contemporary charm. They symbolise wisdom, prosperity and the enduring victory of light over darkness, reflecting the grace and spiritual depth of Lao heritage.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Middle East: Arabesque Metal Lanterns <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Inspired by decorative metal lanterns found across the Middle East, these lanterns celebrate a shared visual language of patterned light and detailed craftsmanship. Their pierced surfaces and geometric patterns cast intricate shapes of light and shadow, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p>The designs draw on long-established traditions of ornament and metalwork, where geometric, vegetal and calligraphic motifs appear across a wide range of decorative arts. This display invites visitors to experience the artistry of Middle Eastern decorative traditions through the interplay of light, pattern and craft.<\/p>\n<p><strong>*Morocco: Lanterns Inspired by Moroccan Craftsmanship<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Inspired by Moroccan decorative traditions, these lanterns draw on the forms of leather lamps and the intricate cutwork of pierced metal lanterns. Their geometric ornament and hand-finished details bring colour, texture and warmth to the display, echoing the artistry found in Moroccan homes, markets and cultural settings.<\/p>\n<p>This display celebrates the creativity of Moroccan craftspeople and the atmospheric beauty created when light shines through decorative patterns. It offers a glimpse into the enduring appeal of Moroccan craftsmanship, where detailed ornament transforms everyday spaces with warmth and character.<\/p>\n<p><strong>*Nepal: Lokta Paper Inspired Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>These lanterns are inspired by Nepali lampshades traditionally made from Lokta paper, a handmade paper associated with Nepal\u2019s craft traditions. While retaining the form and decorative character of the original lampshades, the designs feature motifs that reflect Nepal\u2019s cultural and spiritual heritage, including the Buddha Eyes, Buddhist imagery, elephants, tigers, Lord Ganesh and other traditional decorative patterns.<\/p>\n<p>Together, the lanterns celebrate Nepal\u2019s living craft traditions and the visual richness of its Buddhist and Hindu cultures.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Philippines: Parol Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>From September to December, the gentle glow of the parol lights up homes, streets and shops across the Philippines. Traditionally handcrafted with slender bamboo frames, translucent or brightly coloured crepe paper and tassels, these star-shaped lanterns guide the faithful to church for the nine dawn masses held before Christmas.<\/p>\n<p>In San Fernando, Pampanga, known as the Philippines\u2019 \u201cChristmas Capital\u201d, giant parols transform the evening sky into a shimmering tapestry of light. Rooted in Spanish colonial history and continually renewed through Filipino creativity, the parol stands as a luminous symbol of faith and hope triumphing over darkness.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Poland: \u0141owicz Folk Paper-Cut Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Inspired by Wycinanki \u0141owickie, the traditional paper-cut folk art of the \u0141owicz region in central Poland, this lantern celebrates the country\u2019s vibrant handcrafted heritage. Polish paper cuts are known for their symmetrical compositions, richly layered colours and decorative floral, animal and geometric motifs. Traditionally created by hand from coloured paper, they have long been used to brighten homes and mark festive occasions. This lantern reinterprets these distinctive Polish patterns in a lantern form, bringing the warmth, creativity and joyful spirit of Polish folk art to Hong Kong.<\/p>\n<p><strong>*Portugal: Lanterns of the Popular Saints<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Across Portugal, June comes alive with the Festas dos Santos Populares, or Popular Saints\u2019 Festivals. Colourful lanterns, known as Bal\u00f5es, light up streets and homes as communities gather for open-air fairs, dancing and grilled sardines, with mangericos (potted basil) adding a distinctive festive touch.<\/p>\n<p>The lantern tradition brings together ancient pagan rituals associated with the summer solstice and early Chinese military signalling techniques. Originating with hot-air balloons and now celebrated through colourful lanterns, it represents light and illumination, the power of the sun, purification, and prayers for good harvests and fertility. The main celebrations take place on 13, 24 and 29 June, honouring Saint Anthony, Saint John and Saint Peter respectively.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Republic of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Every October, the historic city of Jinju comes alive for the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, an autumn celebration centred on traditional silk lanterns. Thousands of vibrant lanterns float on the Namgang River and illuminate the ancient ramparts of Jinjuseong Fortress, creating a radiant outdoor gallery that connects the city\u2019s landscape with its history. The lanterns stand as symbols of resilience and also carry the community\u2019s wishes for family well-being and lasting peace, celebrating the heritage, artistry and enduring spirit of Jinju.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sri Lanka: Vesak Ata-pattama Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Vesak lanterns hold deep spiritual and cultural meaning in Sri Lanka\u2019s Buddhist traditions. Observed on the full moon day of May, Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment and Parinirvana of Gautama Buddha. Illuminated lanterns represent the light of the Buddha\u2019s teachings, or Dhamma, dispelling ignorance and symbolising wisdom, inner enlightenment and liberation from suffering. The traditional Ata-pattama, or octagonal lantern, is associated with important Buddhist teachings. Creating and offering lanterns are acts of merit-making that cultivate patience, generosity and community cohesion.<\/p>\n<p><strong>*Sweden: Scandinavian Christmas Star Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Scandinavian Christmas star lanterns are a familiar sight in Sweden during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Displayed in the windows of homes, schools, offices and shops, they bring a gentle glow to the holiday season. Traditionally, the star symbolises the Star of Bethlehem, which Christian tradition says appeared at the birth of Jesus. Today, it also represents warmth, hope and light during the darkest time of the year. Shining from windows across communities, these lanterns create a welcoming atmosphere and offer comfort throughout the winter season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Thailand: Lanna Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In northern Thailand, colourful Lanna lanterns are an essential part of Yi Peng. Yi Peng is a traditional Lanna festival and the northern Thai equivalent of Loy Krathong. People handcraft lanterns and hang them in temples and public spaces as an offering of light to honour the Buddha. Their glow carries wishes for prosperity, peace and a brighter future.<\/p>\n<p>During the festival, communities come together to create, display and parade intricately decorated lanterns, filling streets with festive colour and light. These lanterns celebrate the cultural traditions, craftsmanship and community spirit of northern Thailand.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>T\u00fcrkiye: Mosaic Glass Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s mosaic glass lanterns bring colour, pattern and warm light to historic marketplaces. In Istanbul\u2019s Spice Bazaar, colourful mosaic lanterns are suspended from ceilings and stall frontages, adding a distinctive glow to the lively atmosphere of the market.<\/p>\n<p>The lanterns reflect T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s rich glassmaking and decorative arts traditions. Glasswork has long been part of Anatolia\u2019s craft heritage, while Istanbul became an important centre for glassmaking during the Ottoman period. Through vibrant colours and intricate patterns, these lanterns celebrate the enduring beauty, craftsmanship and creativity of Turkish decorative arts.<\/p>\n<p><strong>United Arab Emirates: Ramadan Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ramadan lanterns, known in Arabic as fanoos, symbolise guidance, unity and the welcoming spirit of the holy month. Rooted in a centuries-old tradition of illuminating streets to mark the arrival of Ramadan, they adorn homes, shopping malls and public spaces, creating a warm setting for family gatherings and Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daily fast. Today, Emirati homes blend heritage-inspired forms with sleek, minimalist metal designs. Large lantern installations also brighten streets, bridges and roundabouts, while cultural venues, including Dubai Public Libraries, have hosted lantern-decorating workshops for residents and visitors, celebrating the country\u2019s living cultural heritage.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vietnam: Hoi An Lanterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Hoi An lantern first appeared in the late sixteenth century. With a craft tradition spanning more than 400 years, they have become one of Vietnam\u2019s most recognisable cultural symbols. Traditionally handcrafted with bamboo frames treated in salt water to prevent termites and covered with silk fabric, the lanterns give off a soft and elegant glow. Although closely associated with Hoi An Ancient Town, they are also displayed across Vietnam during traditional festivals and cultural celebrations. Especially prominent during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lunar New Year and the monthly full-moon Hoi An Lantern Festival, they carry wishes for good fortune, happiness, prosperity, reunion and peace. More than decorative objects, they celebrate Vietnam\u2019s heritage, craftsmanship, harmony and friendship.<\/p>\n<p>* For outdoor displays, some lanterns are made from weather-resistant fabric.<\/p>\n<p>Photos accompanying this announcement are available at<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\/Tracker?data=wRTZyzGRSY1yMifVNYybV_s60m6S_63ccBz2q7-iH8bYaJJWxLtGwgYQ3J4jtEtGvzsArkmPCp6sXVDuzAGodZyDUHbDS9jmHgM9q4OAUPl_T82KfKRR35puF_fqDMShZzBH2yBpzKAZCJDC8AxlMTMi_2lHpnmY3nrIAz3MHu6t3qYlQ-0Cxu_JR9K1Z2x_t8KGBfQKfrP9l1IrxyAUXDpHhjNMoligKaZ279BJDWiAqDpG1S3CBdc2iUumpnyZ7lWjOzOHqAEM1TBceISMMQ==\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\/NewsRoom\/AttachmentNg\/1b27adff-9b51-496e-948c-78244400af54<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\/Tracker?data=wRTZyzGRSY1yMifVNYybV_s60m6S_63ccBz2q7-iH8bYaJJWxLtGwgYQ3J4jtEtGp5NlKbvw4Z_cbXnk5WV9pYEIMxpHpKUMt04MKPLRZCqWXj55RwOkwRmmD6AfpFpQfQd9Oi7_qwm55Gr5QIeL3Sl7XI1wYpFszvNAVtIzdNrQlF4Si0N_z-xNDynBU9NjnRSZhQjEV7CzOaiKvA3BRfjD5J64caidijJICulex04CetJGqnUSEzrUe2QGfDLPPUy9N_-ncW96wEQXXIPU9g==\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\/NewsRoom\/AttachmentNg\/2d71a0c1-ddb9-45b4-b643-6ac261960d14<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\/Tracker?data=wRTZyzGRSY1yMifVNYybV_s60m6S_63ccBz2q7-iH8bYaJJWxLtGwgYQ3J4jtEtGR7T_-oPjdvqIjtTZQGh3E9P1YShom_aADl7uw4oxI22u4H9w6REg7AEl7fbecm4qm_gNHE0fGFGxigkosrq44G56DKpAFK6RnuLO7ev9r1ILOkw-YWLOGNaPcwYA8xLb0m2b7ozlWSHd2qP4b5GWb32hH86s3cOCYnonKVCyDxbaKGkpW_1c4Y2pFRr1F3EhATSaxs1cfQ1L9Xc-M_nmyA==\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\/NewsRoom\/AttachmentNg\/984f5a82-5e16-4a2d-ac70-0738ff512a15<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ml.globenewswire.com\/media\/YWNkYjk4NjgtM2JlMi00YmMyLTg3ZTktMjM5YTExNzA5NmFiLTEzMDQ2NjQtMjAyNi0wOS0xOC1lbg==\/tiny\/Hong-Kong-Tourism-Board.png\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Links Citywide Mid-Autumn Festivities, Drawing Visitors and Driving the Tourism Economy \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 HONG KONG, Sept. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) &#8212; The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) launched its first-ever International Lantern Spectacular today (17 September) at Victoria Park. Featuring more than 3,000 distinctive lanterns from 20 countries and regions, alongside a collection of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":32873,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[57166],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-428472","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-globenewswire"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailybanglanewspapers.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/428472","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailybanglanewspapers.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailybanglanewspapers.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailybanglanewspapers.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailybanglanewspapers.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=428472"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailybanglanewspapers.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/428472\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailybanglanewspapers.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailybanglanewspapers.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=428472"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailybanglanewspapers.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=428472"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailybanglanewspapers.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=428472"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}