The traditional Canberra Nara Candle Festival is to take a different form this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, swapping candles for food at the annual celebration of Canberra’s Sister City relationship with Nara, Japan.
Events ACT said this year marked the 27th anniversary of the Sister City relationship and the 17th annual Canberra Nara Candle Festival.
“In 2020, Canberra is swapping candles for delicious food at the Itadakimasu – the Canberra Nara Foodie Weekend on 22 to 25 October,” Events ACT said.
“During Itadakimasu, which means ‘Let’s eat!’ in Japanese, Canberrans can celebrate the Sister City relationship by enjoying delectable Japanese style dishes from over 20 participating restaurants offering a range of experiences by candle light from fine dining degustation to sashimi takeaway, warming miso or refreshing green tea ice cream,” it said.
“While the outdoor candle display won’t be lighting up Lennox Park, the community can still enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the Canberra Nara Peace Park, which was a gift to the people of Canberra from the people of Nara.”
“While in the Park, members of the community will have an opportunity to strike the Rotary Peace Bell from 11am to 3pm on the Saturday (24 th) and Sunday.”
Events ACT said Canberra would still acknowledge the Sister City relationship with a formal ceremony at the Embassy of Japan.
“This is a private reception which will feature speeches, lighting of the ceremonial candles, and recital of the Peace Poem, as well as a performance by Ngunnawal and Japanese musicians and a 1,000 candle display,” it said.
It said a range of opportunities to embrace the Japanese culture through arts, food, local businesses and community groups were also on offer this month.
Further information on this year’s celebration and how to become involved can be accessed at this PS News link.
