About The BENCH Long 板凳龙
The “Bench Long ( 龙 )” from Fuqing in Fujian Province, China, symbolizes unity, strength, and protection. In Chinese culture, Long (龙) are revered creatures that
represent power, good luck, and prosperity. The Bench Long, specifically, is believed
to bring unity and solidarity among people, as benches are places where individuals
gather and interact. The Long’s presence on the bench signifies protection and
support for those who come together to sit on it, fostering a sense of community
and togetherness.
EVENT
tASMANIA’S TASTE OF SUMMER
Tasmania’s Taste of Summer, in partnership with the City of Hobart will be lighting up the city this summer as part of Community Day on 31 December.
Community Day is a free event at the Taste and a great way for visitors and locals to spend time together with family and friends.
This year, Community Day will also feature a lantern parade and The Long, which is a dragon display that originated in Fujian province in China.
At a lantern-making workshop today to mark Human Rights Day, Taste of Summer General Manager, Katharine Dean, said it was a great way for the community to become part of the Taste of Summer.
We want people to really feel like they are a part of the Taste and this is a great way to involve the whole family by making a lantern and being part of the parade.
With the support of the City of Hobart, there will be free entry to the daytime session at the Taste on 31 December between 12 and 4pm as well.
The Long dragon will be on Salamanca Lawns during the day, with an eye dotting ceremony taking place on the Taste main stage at 1.00pm. There will also be lantern-making workshops on during the day in the Kids’ Area at the Taste.
The lantern parade will start from Parliament Lawns straight after the 9.30pm fireworks display and will take in the waterfront before finishing back at Parliament Lawns.
“Tasmania’s Taste of Summer is all about family-friendly fun and we want to see as many people as possible participate in the lantern parade and the The Long on 31 December this year,” Ms Dean said.
The Long is an initiative of Tony He, from Hejo’s Restaurant, which has been a regular at the Taste for ten years. Tony says “The Long symbolises unity, strength, protection, prosperity and good luck.”
About Long Making
Local Community
Special taste of Fuqing
fUQING BAGEL 光饼
You can Enjoy the special taste of Fuqing in the Tasmania’s Taste of Summer
Special Thanks
The Melbourne and Tasmania World Friendship Association of Fuqing
https://fuqing.com.au
City of Hobart
https://www.hobartcity.com.au/
Tasmania’s Taste of Summer
https://www.tasteofsummer.com.au
Tasmanian Chinese Buddhist Academy of Australia
https://www.tascbaa.org
Dani Salome – Designer/Artist/Maker
https://www.instagram.com/thedandyroom/?locale=de-DE
Greta Jean – Design Consultant
https://terrapin.org.au/people
Stephen Cole – Structural Consultant
Gaia, Freya, Marina and Kate – Artist/Maker
Mark Healy – Design & Production https://thelabyrinthcollective.com.au/pages/about-us
Bamboo Van Diemen – Material Supplier
https://bamboovandiemen.com.au/
Diamond Sponsors
Platinum sponsors
Other sPONSORS
Expression of your interest
Recruiting VOLUNTEERS FOR THE LONG PARADE
We need YOU to help bring this year’s Long Parade to life! Whether you’re passionate about community events, love vibrant celebrations, or simply want to experience the joy of being part of something unforgettable, this is your chance to shine.
Roles Available:
- Long Carriers (help carry the long during the parade)
- Event Assistants (help with set-up, organization, and more)
- Crowd Coordinators (help keep everything running smoothly)
Come join us, bring your energy, and make a difference in this incredible celebration!
