A festive parade will block off multiple streets in Vancouver on Sunday (Jan. 22).
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar calendar, and is celebrated not only by people in and from China, but also Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Philippines, and Indonesia.
According to the Chinese zodiac cycle, 2023 is the year of the Rabbit (specifically the Water Rabbit) which is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity.
This year, Lunar New Year's Day falls on a Sunday (Jan. 22) and many will be celebrating over the weekend.
The Chinatown Spring Festival Parade will return after a two-year hiatus as part of the many celebrations taking place in the city.
Chinatown Spring Festival Parade schedule and road closures
The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. on Jan. 22, embarking on a 1.3 km route starting at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street, between Shanghai Alley and Taylor Street, and ending at the intersection of Keefer and Abbott streets.
The route will go along Pender Street, turn south onto Gore Street, and turn west onto Keefer Street before coming to a close.
Here are all the road closures that will take place on Jan. 22 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.:
- Main Street
- Pender Street (East and West)
- Beatty Street
- Abbott Street
- Taylor Street
- Shanghai Alley
- Columbia Street
- Quebec Street
- Carrall Street
- Keefer Street and Keefer Place
- East Georgia Street
- Gore Avenue
- Alleys in the parade area will be closed, including access to private parkades. Residents of Taylor Street and Shanghai Alley will have vehicular access to Keefer Place, westbound only.
