The Lunar New Year of the Tiger is almost upon us, those born in 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 are celebrating ‘their birth sign year’, the tiger is the king of all beasts in China, representing a symbol of strength, exorcising evils, and braveness.
Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year is one of the most important events for Asian families as millions normally make visits to their home countries, towns and family, to celebrate the arrival of the new year. Celebrations and traditions have spread around the globe thanks to the huge Asian diaspora. Locally, Vancouver and Richmond’s large Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and other Asian communities, means these cities are filled with events to entertain those who can’t make the trip home, or are returning here to visit family. The lunar Year of the Tiger begins on February 1, 2022 in the solar Gregorian calendar.
While some usual events are still curtailed due to the current pandemic conditions, many have adapted to provide safe family celebrations for the Lunar New Year Festival including:
Chinese Lunar New Year 101: January 29th on ZOOM, learn the background of the culture, traditions and superstitions surrounding the New Year celebrations as Chinatown Storytelling Centre presents Chinese Lunar New Year 101 with Bob Sung, the host of Vancouver’s “A Wok Around Chinatown” and “A Wok Around Granville Island” tours.
Gateway Theatre: Step Into the Light at Gateway Theatre, an all-ages, immersive, walk-through experience, bringing a unique approach to Lunar New Year, running February 18 – 20. Into the Light takes audiences inside the origins of the new year, on a journey that will take them through the darkness, into celebration and light.
Lunar Fest 2022: returns for another year with celebrations taking place around the city at šx????n?q Xwtl’e7énk Square (Vancouver Art Gallery), Granville Island, West End Robson Street, The Orpheum Theatre as well as virtual programs, featuring lanterns, entertainment, exhibits, crafts, markets, and many other event spread around the lower mainland. Events run until February 21, 2022
Fly Over Canada: If travel isn’t in the cards, guests to Fly Over Canada can experience spectacular Taiwan from above as Soar Over Taiwan takes flight only until February 13th. Starting with a unique Lunar New Year-themed preshow, then strap in and take off and fly high over Taiwan’s vibrant natural and urban landscapes.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden ushers in the Year of the Tiger, January 29 & 30 and February 5 & 6 as well as virtually, with celebration and family-friendly entertainment, crafts, demonstrations and activities with collaborations with Chinatown