Happy Chinese New Year everyone! Today is the year of the pig and I took the family down to Chinatown to take in all the festivities. Chinese New Year is a big deal in Vancouver because a large percentage of the population is Asian. Vancouver’s Chinatown is the second biggest in North America and there were many non Asian groups taking part in the celebration.
It has been many years since I took in a Chinese New Year celebration. My family belongs to one of the societies that were in the parade, which featured dancing lions and dragons, firecrackers, marching bands, non profit and for profit companies, the Vancouver Police department, and a bunch of other groups. We watched the celebration from the patio of the society’s building on Pender Street – why stand on the street when you can get VIP seating? 🙂
I was almost tempted to join the society in the parade but decided against it. It’s been forever since I danced the lion or play that big drum. I doubt I still remember the steps. The parade lasted 90 minutes. Here are some highlight photos.
