Feast Of Lanterns Is Celebration Of Burning Down Chinese Camp
Words from Sandy Lydon, elitist historian.
The May 17, 1906 blaze that swept through most of the Chinese village at Point Alones seared not only the landscape of the Monterey Peninsula, but the memories and histories of its people. The fire continues to loom as some kind of Original Sin whenever there are discussions about this remarkable Chinese village tucked into the cove on Pacific Grove’s eastern boundary.
What emerged was a festival that replicated the lights of the squid boats that had been driven away. Some members of the Chinese community find the resulting festival offensive. The Feast of Lanterns folks respond that their event has nothing to do with the Chinese village.
Feast Of Lanterns Is Celebration Of Burning Down Chinese Camp
Tags: asinine, feast of lanterns, hooey history, quirky civic events
July 1st, 2010 at 10:53 am
I find it fascinating the history of the village in Pacific Grove. I feel it’s important to remember the Chinese in all that they did to help build the west, the railroads, the fishing industry, etc. It’s terrible that they suffered as many people did in the past from discrimination and racial bigotry, but it is still a very important part of history to be remembered.
I did a painting for this year’s festival depicting the old village.. as it existed before the fire.. showing a fisherman bringing in his boat. I think it’s important to remember the people that lived there, and who’s relatives still live in the area.