Around Vancouver Town: Chinese New Year Celebrations

Jakarta year of the Horse 2014

Photo Credit.

This week’s Around Vancouver Town blog post features some pretty cool celebrations for the Year of the Horse 2014. And tonight is going to be extra fun because Modern Mama Vancouver has been invited to attend the media sneak preview of FlyOver Canada at Canada Place featuring a unique Chinese New Year celebration.

Chinese New Year: the Lunar New Year, isn’t just a traditional festival for the Chinese; it’s also the traditional New Year mark for Korean, Vietnamese and many other East Asian cultures. Which means that, for multicultural Vancouver, Chinese New Year/the Lunar New Year is a huge celebration.

I’ll let you know in a future blog post how it went, but for now have a look at it and other great events that are going on Around Vancouver Town.

Chinese New Year at FlyOver Canada

Flight of the Dragon, FlyOver Canada Photo Credit.

This event runs over several weeks, allowing you to enjoy it at your leisure. If you visit you’ll experience the North American debut of the Chinese ride film ‘Flight of the Dragon’, featured back-to-back with the popular FlyOver Canada experience.

It’s a chance to experience two cultures, two countries and two experiences, all in one place. Both offer an immersive look at spectacular landscapes in a virtual flight experience.

January 17 – March 2, 2014, 10:00am-9:00pm daily
At: 201-999 Canada Place (entrance on the upper level at the north end)
Tickets: Adults – $19.95, Students / Seniors – $17.95, Kids: $14.95 (children must be at least 40 inches to ride)
For more information visit their website.

Gung Haggis Fat Choy

Toddish McWong’s Gung Haggis Fat Choy is a unique answer to the question of what to do in Vancouver to celebrate both the Lunar New Year and famed Scottish poet Robbie Burns. This event, which has become synonymous with cultural fusion and fun, puts Scottish-Canadian and Chinese-Canadian pioneers on an inclusive and equal platform. It also acknowledges historical racism and initiates conversation on how we move beyond it.

January 26, 2014 – doors open at 5:00pm, dinner starts at 6:00pm
Floata Chinese Restaurant, #400-180 Keefer Street
Tickets: Adults – $65 + service charge, Students – $55 + service charge, Kids: $35 + service charge
More info: www.gunghaggis.com

Year of the Horse at International Village Mall

The Year of the Horse Celebration at International Village brings traditional Chinese Spring festivities and rituals to Vancouver. You’ll find Chinese New Year festive items at the exhibition and sales booths on the main level, plus souvenirs and gifts. There will be multicultural live performances on stage and lucky draws as well. On the upper level of the mall there will be a festive Chinese New Year Heritage Village, where you can see experience the true colours, traditional arts and culture, and culinary delights of the new year. The whole thing kicks off with a ceremonial eye-dotting ritual and lion dance on Thursday, January 30, and culminates with the parade on Sunday, February 2.

January 30 – February 2, 2014
At: International Village Mall, 88 West Pender Street
Cost: Free
For more information visit their website.

Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival and 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.

February 2, 2014 at 11:00am
At: 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 Carrall
Cost: Free
For more information visit their website. 

Year of the Horse Temple Fair

Based on spring festival temple fairs of old, this Chinese New Year celebration is a “Hot & Noisy” mixture of traditional cultural activities. You’ll find traditional Chinese games and activities, fortune-telling, live music, food, drinks and more. There’s also a children’s corner promising lots of kid-friendly Vancouver fun, including the chance to run around and yell to scare away evil spirits. Remember to wear red if you add this event to your list of what to do in Vancouver!

February 2, 2014 from 10:00am-4:00pm
At: Dr. Sun Yat-sen Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall Street
Cost: By donation
For more information vist their website.

LunarFest

LunarFest offers a contemporary expression of Asian arts and culture, inviting everyone to share in the cultural diversity of our city. There is lots to see and do at this event, from Lantern Palaces, to workshops and games, to story-telling, and more. Enjoy drum performances, check out the two-storey tall rocking horse installation, sip a cup of tea, and enjoy dumplings at dumpling fest. But perhaps the best reason of all to add this event to your list of what to do in Vancouver this winter is that it’s free!

February 7-9, 2014 from 11:00am-7:00pm
At: Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza
Cost: Free
For more information visit their website.

There you have it mama. Go out and enjoy Chinese New Year Celebrations in Vancouver!

This edition of Around Vancouver Town was brought to you by The Soleil Group and LSV Academy.

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