Year of the Snake celebrations will include several road closures for the Lunar New Year parade in Chinatown.
The 51st Annual Chinatown Spring Festival Parade in the historic Vancouver neighbourhood includes dragon and lion dancers, vibrant colours, and joyful music. The parade takes place on Sunday, Feb. 2 at 11 a.m. and lasts roughly three hours, covering a 1.3-kilometre route.
The parade kicks off at Chinatown's Millennium Gate at Pender Street (between Shanghai Alley and Taylor Street) and continues east along Pender before turning south onto Gore. After heading west onto Keefer Street, the parade ends on Keefer at Carrall Street.
The Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration Committee is organizing the parade this year and has a map for attendees.
“Lunar New Year is not just about keeping traditions alive—it’s about bringing the community together to celebrate our diversity," said Mayor Ken Sim in a press release.
"I invite everyone to join in, support local businesses and celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake in Vancouver’s incredible Chinatown neighbourhood.”
The parade coincides with numerous other Lunar New Year events in Chinatown, including several at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
The City of Vancouver advises commuters of several road closures ahead of Sunday's parade.
Chinatown Spring Festival Parade road closures
To accommodate the parade, the city will close alleys in the parade area, including access to private parkades. Residents of Taylor Street and Shanghai Alley will have vehicular access to Keefer Place, westbound only.
The following road closures will be in effect on Sunday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on sections of the following streets:
- Main Street
- Pender Street (East and West)
- Beatty Street
- Abbott Street
- Taylor Street
- Shanghai Alley
- Columbia Street
- Quebec Street
- Carrall Street
- Keefer Street
- Keefer Place
- East Georgia Street
- Gore Avenue
Tips for folks attending the parade
Since frigid temperatures and ample snowfall are expected over the weekend, parade attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and provide extra time to reach their destination. Commuters should expect delays and dress for the weather. V.I.A.'s Strathcona Weatherhood station is located closest to Chinatown and forecasts a high of 3 C with an expected 12 cm snowfall.
The city encourages people to follow some tips to ensure the parade operates smoothly:
- Walk, bike, roll, or take transit whenever possible.
- Stay ahead of road closures.
- Put waste in its place: dispose of waste in the nearest garbage, recycling or organics bin. Additional waste bins will be added for the events.
- Be considerate of the neighbourhood and keep noise to a minimum when leaving.
- Visit TransLink alerts for changes or disruptions to your bus service.
