Lunar New Year Celebrates the Year of the Dragon

'Happy New Year' is Kung Hei Fat Choi in Cantonese, and Gong Xi Fa Cai in Mandarin. The Vietnamese celebrate Tet, by wishing Chúc mừng năm mớ, and in Korea, Seollal is celebrated with Saehae bok mani badeuseyo.
However you commemorate the occasion, Lunar New Year celebrations run for 15 days this year beginning February 10, and will be marked by various festivities all around the Lower Mainland.
Lantern City returns this year to light up a number of locations around the city including Granville Island and the Jack Poole Plaza with gorgeous, original artwork in the form of brilliant lanterns. February 9-26.
The Get Lucky Art Show is a community festival on Main Street in China Town, celebrating lucky red envelopes, as reimagined by local artists. February 10 & 11, 312 Main Street.
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Gardens are celebrating the Lunar New Year with live performances, Chinese fortune-telling, cultural street cuisines and more on February 11. 578 Carrall Street.
And finally, he famous Vancouver Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade happens this Sunday beginning at 11 am. The parade starts at Millennium Gate and winds its way through Chinatown and beyond, with Lion Dances, martial arts and marching bands. A reminder that this event is always a literal traffic-stopper, with thousands expected to attend and many street closures downtown, so plan accordingly.
For those who would prefer not to cross a bridge on this busy weekend, Monova, the Museum and Archives of North Vancouver, is celebrating the Year of the Dragon with their Lunar New Year Create & Connect event today, February 10.
Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Have thoughts to share about Lunar New Year? Leave your comments below, or email us at editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca
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