Hong Kong Show Is Illuminating

The “Dragon Pillar,” an 80-foot-tall lantern with a dragon figure coiled around it, may be the most spectacular entry planned for Lantern Festival ‘96, which runs Nov. 25 through Jan. 5 in Hong Kong.

This year’s festival, on the 10th anniversary of the colony’s Regional Council (which organizes cultural events), will feature nine giant lanterns from Zigong, China, known as the “Lantern City” for its centuries-old history of craftsmanship.

Besides the traditional paper and bamboo, the artists also experiment with silkworm cocoons, glass, ceramics and other materials. And, of course, electricity lights the lanterns. Designs are from folklore and include pandas, carp and deities.

Hong Kong also held lantern festivals in 1992 and 1994. This year, more international entries, from countries such Germany and Switzerland, will be included, as well as ones created in Hong Kong.

The festival, in Shatin Park in the New Territories, is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For information, call the Hong Kong Tourist Assn. in New York, (212) 869-5008 or Los Angeles (310) 208-4582.