604 Pulse

Photo: Collecting confetti after the parade in Chinatown. Source: Eric Flexyourhead via Flickr.

Chinese New Year falls on January 23 this year and it’s without a doubt a major cultural event. After all, Metro Vancouver is home to the second largest Chinese community in Canada after Toronto. So whether you’re seeking contemporary Chinese culture in Richmond or the legacy of Vancouver’s Chinese pioneers in Chinatown, there are a multitude of ways to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon throughout the month of January. We’ve highlighted five taking place in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains. 恭喜發財!

5. Chinese New Year Bazaar – Chinatown

One of my favourite times to explore Vancouver’s Chinatown is when the Chinatown Night Market is taking place. There’s just something special about the ambiance of the bustling market stalls combined with the gritty yet colourful vibe of Vancouver’s most historic community. While the night market only takes place in the summer months (yup, it’s not happening now), all throughout this week (from January 16 to 20 between 10:30am until 3:30pm) Chinatown is throwing a Chinese New Year Bazaar at 28 W Pender Street. While I haven’t ventured to the bazaar yet, it sounds like you can expect a similar atmosphere to the night market as there are tables of discounted merchandise,  snack foods, groceries, traditional Chinese clothing, used CDs/DVDs, and more. Don’t forget to get your picture taken with the dragon! It is the Year of the Dragon, after all.

4. Chinese New Year at the Buddhist Temple – Richmond

If you’ve never visited the International Buddhist Temple in Richmond, this week would be the time to go as you’ll be in for a real treat. Tucked away behind the hedges on Steveston Highway, the Buddhist Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in North America, housing the biggest Buddha statue on the continent and the largest Buddhist mural in the world! I can honestly say that I don’t feel like I’m in Canada anymore when I visit – I feel like I’m in China hundreds of years ago. I’m not exaggerating. It’s humbling and breathtaking.

From January 18 until 23, they’re putting on celebrations and a bazaar which includes auspicious flower arrangements, traditional snacks and foods, various cultural items, and more. But if you’re craving a truly unique experience, be sure to visit the temple on Sunday, January 22  from 8pm until 1am. This is Chinese New Year’s Eve where there will be a midnight blessing to all sentient beings. Or simply come by the following afternoon for a vegetarian luncheon – another part of the Buddhist Temple experience. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

3. Lunar New Year at Willowbrook – Langley

While Chinatown and Richmond are definitely Chinese New Year hubs, festivities and events do take place elsewhere in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. Case in point: Willowbrook Shopping Centre. If you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, venture along the Fraser Highway to this popular Langley mall as they’re celebrating the Lunar New Year all throughout the month of January.

Indulge your globetrotting spirit by attending information sessions on travelling to China, learn about Chinese astrology, or simply relax in their Zen Lounge – an eastern-inspired oasis. There will also be live entertainment from now until January 28. You can look forward to seeing Asian-inspired harp concerts, Asian-inspired dance performances, Tai Chi demonstrations, and the much beloved Lion Dance. Be sure to look at their schedule as different events take place on different days.

2. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon – West Vancouver

For those seeking to celebrate Chinese New Year on the North Shore, head to the West Vancouver Community Centre on Saturday, January 28 between 1:30pm-3:30pm. As they write on their website, “Following a spectacular celebration last year, the North Shore celebrates the Year of the Dragon with a fun-filled afternoon of performances from different Asian cultures, live music, lucky draws and complimentary Asian food.” Although the event is free, space is limited to the first 500 people who show up.

1. Chinese New Year Parade – Chinatown

Although Richmond clearly has the most Chinese New Year festivities in 2012 (see this impressive list for proof), Chinatown has arguably the biggest and most famous celebration in all of Metro Vancouver. Anchoring these celebrations is the Chinese New Year Parade which takes place on Sunday, January 29 at 12 noon.

The parade, which includes cultural dance troupes, marching bands, martial arts performers, community members and organizations, and the signature lion dance, begins under the Millennium Gate along Pender Street in Chinatown. It then heads east along Pender to Gore, then south to Keefer where it heads west and disperses at Columbia.

Let the parade be the excuse for getting you out to Chinatown that Sunday, but while you’re there, be sure to check out the other events going on like the Cultural Fair at the the Sun Yat-Sen plaza, the Chinese New Year Banquet held at Floata Seafood Restaurant at 6pm ($35 per person), and the Year of the Dragon Temple Fair at the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

It’s here at this authentic Ming dynasty garden where you can play traditional Chinese games and activities; receive a red envelope from Grandma and Grandpa; light incense and make wishes at the altar; get your fortune told; listen to music from Larry Yan on the flute as well as celtic-Chinese music from local personality Toddish McWong; enjoy traditional Chinese tea, dumplings and buns; and experience a modern multimedia tea ceremony. Needless to say, you’ll want to spend your entire afternoon in Chinatown. Having attended Chinese New Year festivities in Chinatown in years past, you’re in for a memorable weekend.