Festivals In New Zealand

New Zealand seems to have some festivals or event going on some where almost everyday of the year. Sporting events at all times are very popular, as are the multitude of excellent agricultural shows that draw large crowds of locals and visitors alike. Drama, ballet, and musical events are also highly recommended. Agricultural and pastoral shows are held throughout the year. Events include animal handling, sheeping trials, horse jumping, local crafts, and fruit and vegetable displays and competitions. These shows have a distinctly local atmosphere and typical "New Zealand feeling". following are but a few of a multitude of events throughout the year; some large festivals are held only once every couple of years.

Christmas

December comes during the summer. Many New Zealander like going to the beach, and have a big picnic on Christmas day, but they don't quite like eating hot food for that meal. Popular Christmas foods include cold turkey, plum pudding, and salad. But before the meal, they sent presents that have been wrapped with a beautiful cover to each other.The christmas tree can't be absent too,many prensents are hang up on the tree,there are also some little lights filling the tree.

School children have a six-week summer holiday at christmas time. Carolling takes place in many cities and towns. Both Father Christmas (Santa Claus) are popular symbols of gift giving in New Zealand. It is very pleased thing for children to find presents from him, they believe the existance of Father Christmas, because they always find some surprise presents somewhere.Actually, Father Christmas is often acted by their parents.

New Years Day

There seems no special festival on the first of January, namely New Years Day. However,usually each family has a party on that night, and people stay awake until midnight. At the stroke of midnight they kiss each other and wish each other a happy new year,and sing "Auld Lang Syne". They always drink too much and spend the rest of the next day ill.