Victoria, there’s a very special celebration coming your way over the next two weekends, and you’re encouraged to soak in as much as possible!
Lunar New Year—also known as the Spring Festival—falls on Saturday, February 10th this year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Wood Dragon.
As described in a media release, the dragon is a powerful mythical creature in Chinese culture and those born in the year of the dragon are said to carry traits such as strength, passion, tenacity, intelligence, and more.
The Chinese Canadian Museum in Fan Tan Alley will also be celebrating its second anniversary during this time, and is hosting a variety of special events and opportunities for locals and visitors alike to experience this vibrant occasion!
On Saturday, February 10th, the museum will be offering free tastings of handmade dragon’s beard candy or Chinese cotton candy while quantities last, as well as opportunities for guests to find out what their Chinese Zodiac animal is and how it corresponds to personality traits.
Then on Sunday, February 11th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., a Canadian award-winning author Julie Lawson, who was born in Victoria and is still based here, will be reading from her novel, White Jade Tiger.
A novel that was inspired by her experiences in Victoria’s Chinatown as well as her trip to China. Plus, the reading will mark the book’s 30th anniversary!
Also being offered on February 11th will include free tastings of lychee starting at 12 p.m. until quantities last, and Chinese Zodiac interpretation.
Then, the following weekend will include the Lunar New Year Parade taking place on Sunday, February 18th—starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Gates of Harmonious Interest.
Featured in the parade includes an eight lion performance by the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club, a dragon dance by the Victoria Chinese Public School, and traditional Chinese dances.
Lastly, on BC Family Day on Monday, February 19th, the museum will host family-friendly activities, such as Build-Your-Own Family with Lego, a Chopsticks Challenge to test who can use chopsticks the quickest, and a Chinatown Walking Quiz.
For anyone that is curious, the Lunar New Year is typically celebrated for fifteen days where people follow various customs and traditions—this includes adorning their homes with red decorations, visiting family, and paying respects to elders.
For more information surrounding each event, you can visit the Chinese Canadian Museum website.
Lunar New Year Celebrations
- Where:
- Chinese Canadian Museum, 10 Fan Tan Alley
- Gates of Harmonious Interest, Fisgard Street
- When:
- Saturday, February 10th: Lunar New Year—Chinese Canadian Museum will be giving out candy and Chinese Zodiac interpretations.
- Sunday, February 11th: Julie Lawson reading from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Sunday, February 18th: Lunar New Year Parade at 11:30 a.m.
