Napier, New Zealand is in Full Swing!

Napier, famous for the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the Southern Hemisphere, has a rich history. In 1931, a devastating earthquake damaged the city and a subsequent fire killed 256 people and decimated the town. From the ashes of this tragedy, the town of Napier was rebuilt with a real focus on the style of the times – Art Deco.

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Each February, Tremains Art Deco Weekend (this year’s event is from February 18-22) welcomes 40,000 people dressed up in vintage clothing, with antique cars lining the streets. Once a year, this weekend brings the glamorous Gatsby era to life throughout the entire city. Now in its 27th year, Tremains Art Deco Weekend showcases the history, culture, music and the fashion of yesteryear through over 200 events. For the first time this year, vintage hearses from around New Zealand will come together at a local funeral parlour for a Death by Chocolate function. Ten undertakers will act as hosts for the once-in-a-lifetime experience that will feature fabulous chocolate concoctions from around the region. This year’s festival will also reveal secrets from the grave. During a special event, the Art Deco Trust Museum will showcase hidden archives from yesteryear that have never before been seen by the public. One of the most popular events – the Depression Dinner – has participants dress down rather than dress up. The 1930s were grim days and there were many who lived a life of poverty. In a nod to those who struggled so hard to survive and make ends meet, the revellers put on 1930s tattered and torn clothes, add a smidge of soot or dirt to their faces, and head out with a tin cup and spoon. Starting at the Marine Parade Soup Kitchen, the hungry souls pack up all their cares and woes and trudge to Memorial Square – stopping for a “shakin’ the blues away, unhappy news away” dance party. At Tin Town, they get their main course – plain 30s food, but apparently it’s good for you. The Depression Dinner participants then pour their hearts out in a choreographed singalong before heading off to an evening jazz concert.