Vancouver is one of the most diverse cities in the world. A significant part of our vibrant community is from China. Each year in February, all Vancouverites and visitors are invited to join the community to celebrate the lunar new year. The largest event is the Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade. This year, the parade is on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 11 a.m.
This is an exciting way to celebrate the new year of the Chinese lunar calendar. In 2018 we come together to welcome the Year of the Dog. The Chinese New Year festivities and parade welcomes everyone. Our guests bike, take transit or even take a long morning walk to Vancouver Chinatown Millennium Gate. There they quickly become immersed in sounds of bolang gu 拨浪鼓 (pellet drum) and fireworks. Traditionally bamboo would be burned, but fireworks are now used to scare away evil spirits. They watch the largest group of lion dancers in Canada, marching bands, martial arts performances, and dance troupes.
Did you know? The word nián 年 is the name of the ancient monster that used to appear on New Year’s Eve and destroy villages. Today, it is used as the Chinese word for year. Here’s how it may be used, today: xīn nián 新年 (new year); qù nián (last year) 去年; jīn nián (this year) 今年; and míng nián 明年 (next year). Discover the origin of this word.
The 1.3 km route starts at the Vancouver Chinatown Millennium Gate on Pender Street between Shanghai Alley and Taylor Street, continues east along Pender Street, turns south onto Gore Street, turns west onto Keefer Street, and ends at Abbot Street. View the map.
Use #vanspringfestival on Twitter and Instagram, or wherever you post to social media. Let us know how much fun you have at the parade by also tagging with #avalonguest.
Make the most of your Kitsilano vacation by discovering other nearby Vancouver festivals.