Thousands of specators braved the rain to line the streets of Chinatown to watch the Chinese New Year Parade and help usher in the Year of the Rabbit. 
Featuring the largest assembly of traditional Lion Dance teams in Canada, the Parade winds its way through Pender, Main and Keefer Streets in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown. Organized by various Chinatown community organizations the
whole parade has a very community vs commercial feel to it. Full of cultural spectacles and tradition; Lion Dancers, Flag Troupes, Family Benevolent Societies and Martial Arts teams.
Corporate entries are few and do not have the flashy, big budget entries as in other Vancouver parades. It’s great to see all ages participate in the parade, young cadets and junior lion dancers are marching and dancing along side troupes of seniors waving flags or performing traditional dances.
While it may not build the same anticipation as having a man in a Red Suit wrapping it up like the Santa Claus parade this event has plenty of sights and sounds to entertain the family. Firecrackers, colourful banners, flags and costumes compete with the vibrant Lion and Dragon costumes. The estimated crowd of 50,000 keeps the whole of Chinatown a buzz, even after the parade finishes, as the shops and attractions like Dr Sun Yat Sen Gardens and Park feature special events and activities.
