WELLINGTON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 100,000 visitors took part in one of New Zealand's largest cultural events over the weekend as the Happy Chinese New Year Festival lit up Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island.

The three-day celebration, running from Friday to Sunday, featured fireworks, traditional performances, live music, and dozens of food stalls showcasing Chinese cuisine.

A grand art and cultural show was the centerpiece of the festivities, which have become an annual highlight for the city's diverse communities.

Organizers said this year's turnout marked a strong recovery in public participation following several years of smaller gatherings.

"The Happy Chinese New Year Festival has become a long-cherished tradition for people of all backgrounds in Christchurch," said organizer Zhong Weiren.

The event, hosted by local Chinese community groups with support from the Christchurch City Council and the Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch, was part of nationwide celebrations marking the Spring Festival.

"As we celebrate Chinese New Year this year, we in Christchurch welcome the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, energy, determination, and progress," Christchurch City Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt told the audience at an evening gala co-hosted by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, the Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch, and the China Railway Art Troupe.

"Events such as tonight's performance are more than a showcase of artistic excellence. They are a powerful expression of cultural connection between the people of China and New Zealand," Harrison-Hunt said.

Visitors also took part in cultural displays and family activities, including writing wishes on tags and hanging them on festive trees.

"The lights are really cool -- probably the best part. It's great to see them out again; I haven't seen them since I was a kid. There are way more people here than I remember, and the whole festival feels much bigger now. It's really good to see how much it's grown," said Christchurch resident Hamish, who visited the festival on Saturday.■