With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, here are some of the best ways to celebrate this time-honoured event around Vancouver.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
This year the garden, located at 578 Carrall Street, will be welcoming in the Year of the Tiger with cultural programming, family-friendly activities, virtual events, and a unique DIY craft kit over two weekends.
On Jan. 29 and 30 visitors can see the garden adorned with traditional paper lanterns, take part in a scavenger hunt, write their wishes on a red ribbon, and add them to the wishing tree. On Feb. 5 and 6 visitors can enjoy live storytelling, calligraphy demonstrations, as well as family-friendly activities across multiple craft tables.
If you can’t visit in person this year there is a free virtual event that features a roster of poets including Vancouver Poet Laureate Fiona Tinwei Lam.
For more information, you can check out the garden’s website. Admission to the garden is a suggested $5 donation.
LunarFest Vancouver and the Lantern City
The opening ceremonies for both will be held at the Ocean Art Works on Granville Island on Jan. 29. In addition to Granville Island, celebrations will also be held at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square North of the Vancouver Art Gallery, West End Robson and the Orpheum.
Participating artists for Lantern City in 2022 include local artists from Indigenous, South Asian, Filipino, and other Canadian communities. Other participating artists for LunarFest include Harmonia String Ensemble, Vancouver Zion Mission Choir and an array of local artists offering various workshops.
The street team from Cirque du Soleil’s Alegría will also be performing with lanterns.
For more information, you can check out the LunarFest Vancouver website.
