The Chinese Year of the Dragon officially begins on January 23, 2012, and there are celebrations happening all across Vancouver to welcome it. The dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac, and it’s said to bring good luck with its bigger-than-life nature. Whether you want to experience some new cultural traditions, or you’re just looking for a party, we’ve rounded up some great events worth checking out to kick the Year of the Dragon off in style. If you’re wondering what to do in Vancouver for Chinese New Year, read on.
Gung Haggis Fat Choy
Toddish McWong’s Gung Haggis Fat Choy is a unique Vancouver tradition, which has become synonymous with cultural fusion and fun. It combines Robbie Burns Day and Chinese New Year celebrations into a single event, which puts Scottish-Canadian and Chinese-Canadian pioneers on an inclusive and equal platform, while acknowledging historical racism and how we move beyond it. When it comes to what to do in Vancouver to celebrate our diverse cultural heritage, you can’t beat it.
When: January 22 – doors open at 5:00 pm, dinner starts at 6:00 pm
Where: Floata Chinese Restaurant, #400-180 Keefer Street
Cost: Adults – $65 + $5 service charge, Students – $50 + service charge, Kids: $40 + service charge
More info: www.gunghaggis.com
Year of the Dragon Celebration at International Village
This Chinese New Year Festival promises to be memorable and festive, with two levels of exhibition booths, shopping, stage performances, an hourly lucky draw and more. Start the Year of the Dragon off with a blast (and not just from firecrackers)!
When: January 27 and 28 from 12:00 – 10:00 pm and January 29 from 12:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: International Village, 88 West Pender Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.henderson-development.ca/theinternationalvillage/event.php
Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival and Cultural Fair
Chinese New Year festivities abound at the Cultural Fair. The event features multicultural performances, a special lion dance grand finale and martial arts demonstrations.
When: January 28 and 29 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Sun Yat-sen Plaza, 50 East Pender Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.cbavancouver.ca/parade.html
Year of the Dragon Temple Fair
Based on the temple fairs of old, this Chinese New Year celebration is a “Hot & Noisy” mixture of traditional cultural activities. On Saturday a sneak peek gives a taste of the activities to those who prefer the skip the crowds. On Sunday, it gets hot and noisy with traditional Chinese games and activities, fortune-telling, live music, food, drinks and more. Plus, there’s free stroller parking – a must when you’re wondering what to do in Vancouver with your little ones in tow.
When: January 28 from 1:00 – 4:30 pm and January 29 from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Where: Dr. Sun Yat-sen Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall Street
Cost: By donation
More info: www.vancouverchinesegarden.com/calendar/Jan2012.htm
Chinese New Year Parade
The Chinese New Year Parade is the biggest event all year for Chinatown, and an annual Vancouver favourite. It features lion dances, cultural dance troupes, marching bands, martial arts performances and much more. Year after year, the Chinatown parade is a cultural extravaganza not to be missed, and a must-see event if you’re wondering what to do in Vancouver for Chinese New Year.
When: January 29 at 12:00 pm
Where: The parade starts at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street, proceeds east along Pender, turns south onto Gore, turns west onto Keefer and finishes at Keefer and Columbia.
Cost: Free
More info: www.cbavancouver.ca/parade.html
LunarFest
Created as a Vancouver Winter Olympics Legacy event, LunarFest presents a contemporary expression of Asian arts and culture, inviting everyone to share in the cultural diversity of Canada. The event is built on lanterns, an important artistic element for many cultures. Events include kids’ game stations and workshops, Lunar Cafe, a Lunar Skate, the CIBC Pavilion, puppet shows and more.
When: February 1 – 5 from 12:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza, 801 West Georgia Street
Cost: By donation
More info: lunarfest.org
No matter how you choose to celebrate Chinese New Year, we hope that the Year of the Dragon brings you health and prosperity!
*Image credit – Carol Browne on Flickr
