Art Deco Festival in Napier - what a celebration!

The first sign of the festival was already at the campsite since Monday evening: right across from us, an older couple arrived with a large motorhome and a big closed trailer. An eye-catching combination, as the motorhome and trailer were painted in the same color and decorated with the same stripe pattern. It couldn't be a horse trailer, too flat and no windows... The next morning, just before our departure to the beach, the mystery was revealed: a perfectly restored bright red Packard convertible with beige leather interior was parked right in the middle of the campsite, with a crowd of people around it.

When we returned on Thursday, there were already various vintage cars at the campsite. Saturday morning is always the vintage car parade through the city, with more than 250 cars expected. Impressive for such a small country.

After pouring rain on Friday during the day, it cleared up in the evening. So off we went to the city to see if the festival had already started.

And of course, there was already a lot going on. First, we came across a large crowd of people patiently waiting in a long line for some sort of registration. The people were dressed in contemporary but very simple or even poor clothing. The solution to the puzzle: they were lining up for the "Depression Dinner". At this event, in memory of the Great Depression in the 1930s, there was food from the soup kitchen, and most participants brought their own tin cup. Presumably, the soup was a bit more substantial than the original...

We continued walking through the city, and the scene was completely different from the previous week. People everywhere in more or less stylish clothing, the beer gardens and restaurants were well-visited but not overcrowded. There was a band playing on the stage at the beach promenade, and everywhere there were radiant faces and a uniquely fantastic atmosphere. And since Kiwis are very casual and tolerant, we didn't feel unwelcome in our tourist clothing, even though almost everyone on the streets was dressed appropriately.

So we enjoyed the various events of this great festival. The vintage car parade on Saturday was impressive, despite heavy rain, a lot of vehicles participated. Later, these cars were parked all over the city, probably there were never as many in the 30s. On Sunday at the "Vintage Car Ride", you could even ride along the beach promenade in an old car for a small donation to a good cause. I didn't hesitate and took a ride as a passenger in a Auburn Supercharged with an 8-cylinder inline engine and a compressor engine. Very impressive to see how quietly and swiftly cars were already driving back then. Presumably, the gasoline was flowing through the carburetors by the gallon...

At the beach promenade, we noticed a whole row of Bentley vehicles with license plates from the UK, USA, and even one from Rosenheim. The international Bentley Owners Club was touring New Zealand with 23 vehicles, and one of the tour's destinations was the Napier Art Deco Festival. Unbelievable to see such valuable cars simply parked on the street, with no security in sight. There are indeed true enthusiasts who actually drive such valuable cars on the road and don't panic when they get a drop of rain. Very nice.

But it wasn't just cars. We attended a fun fashion show, including 1930s swimwear, admired the many picnic groups at the picnic competition, watched the soapbox race, listened to music at the stage, and watched the many dancing couples. And a navy ship traditionally anchors for the Art Deco Festival, and the onboard orchestra of course also had a performance.

So the weekend passed by quickly, and in conclusion, it was an unforgettable experience. It also showed here what pleasant fellow countrymen the Kiwis are. They are capable of organizing a truly impressive festival, without stress and hustle and in a unique atmosphere. And all without pomp and arrogance, everyone can participate, many do, but it doesn't matter if you are not dressed in period clothing. The fun and enjoyment for everyone are the focus, and you could feel that everywhere.

It's clear, if you travel to New Zealand in February: you have to stop in Napier on the 3rd weekend in February!