My first Friday in Aotearoa was a National Holiday! Matariki is a celestial celebration that holds deep cultural significance for the Māori people. Matariki, also known as the Pleiades star cluster, is a group of seven stars that appears on the eastern horizon of New Zealandʻs skies between late May and early June. The holiday marks the start of the Māori New Year!

Matariki has been a cornerstone of Māori culture for generations, symbolizing new beginnings, remembrance, and a time of reflection. The holiday is celebrated throughout Aotearoa, and the exact timings of the celebrations vary each year, depending on the appearance of the stars, but it usually falls within the winter months. The festivities typically last for several weeks and incorporate a large range of events that showcase Māori culture and customs. 

Matariki became a national holiday recognized by the government in 2022, so this is only the second year with country-wide celebrations. My friends and I went to explore a light festival in the Central Business District of Auckland. It was super cool to see all the celestial displays and walk around downtown.

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