With the move from dragon to snake on Jan. 29, several Tri-City groups are marking Lunar New Year with events and activities that residents can take part in.
Described as the most important festival of the year for many cultures across Asia, the 15-day celebration is based on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar — using the moon phases and the Earth’s orbit around the sun — and sees families and friends socializing over food, as well as gifting money in red envelopes to children.
Here are some ways you can mark the Lunar New Year locally:
Coquitlam
Jan. 18–19, Jan. 25–26 and Feb. 1
- Take the SkyTrain to the Lincoln station where Henderson Place mall (1163 Pinetree Way) will have a lion dance, pop-up market, calligraphy table and kids crafts between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Jan. 18
- Staff from Yuto Books will be at Mackin House (1116 Brunette Ave.) from noon to 3 p.m. to share Lunar New Year stories and songs in Mandarin (12 p.m.), English (1 p.m.) and Cantonese (2 p.m.). Jessica Yue will be in the kitchen to demonstrate how to make traditional new year’s snacks at home. The event is open to all ages and backgrounds. Admission is free and no registration is required.
Jan. 25
- Take your family to the City Centre branch of the Coquitlam Public Library (1169 Pinetree Way) where, from noon to 3 p.m., there will be stories, songs and craft-making for all ages and skill levels. Admission is free and no registration is required. The English and Korean story time is noon to 12:30 p.m.; the English songs and rhymes session is 1:15 to 1:30 p.m.; and the English and Mandarin story telling is 1:30 to 2 p.m. The celebration is in partnership with YMCA Child Care Resource Referral and Golden Maple Culture & Arts Association.
Port Moody
Jan. 31
- Enjoy a concert from the Qing Ensemble as it celebrates Canadian Chinese music at PoMoArts (2425 St. Johns St.) at 7 p.m. The group is made up of Bruce Bai, Dailin Hsieh and Lan Tung. Tickets at $36.75 include a glass of wine and snacks.
Meanwhile, you can also head to Vancouver for the 51st Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration on Feb. 2.
The parade starts at 11 a.m. while the fair is from 2 to 4 p.m. around Chinatown.
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