It’s time to get festive! It’s the year of the Tiger (虎), one of the 12 signs in the Chinese zodiac. According to some, the Year of the Tiger will mean big changes, risk-taking, and adventure. Social progress, enthusiasm towards others, and generosity will be at an all-time high.
“No matter what your sign is, the year of the Tiger (Water Tiger), will bring a changing travel landscape”.
Edgar Lok Tin Yung, Feng Shui Master and consultant
Good news? We hope so! To help celebrate the Lunar New Year (also Chinese New Year) that starts February 1, we’ve put together a few ways for Vancouver area residents to enjoy local festivities, learn about traditions, and of course, eat their way into 2022.
An intricate part of our local history
The Lunar New Year is a big part of Vancouver’s culture and history. The first Chinese New Year Parade in Vancouver was held in Chinatown in 1973, and it’s now an annual tradition organized by the Chinese Cultural Centre. Visit the Chinese Cultural Centre website to learn more about 2022 events.
Where to celebrate Lunar New Year
Lunarfest Vancouver is February 5 and 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, North of the Vancouver Art Gallery, and offers activities including Lunar Tea and fortune telling.
The Asian Canadian Special Events Association, with Granville Island’s support, has partnered with local artists to curate six large-scale lanterns, now installed in the outdoor courtyard of the Ocean Art Works Pavilion. Learn more about Lantern City from January 29 to February 21.
Into the Light (在燈光之中) is an all-ages, immersive experience created by Vancouver-based multidisciplinary artist Stephanie Wong and award-winning Richmond-based artist Marina Szijartoruns. It runs from February 18 to 20 at the Gateway Theatre in Richmond.
FlyOver Canada is featuring the film “Soar Over Taiwan” during the Lunar New Year period, which highlights some of Taiwan’s most iconic sites and landscapes.
The Kitsilano Community Centre is hosting China: Presentation & Chinese New Year, an event for the community to learn and celebrate the Chinese New Year on February 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Restaurants offering Lunar New Year eats, treats, and beverages.
Sun Sui Wah will have a Chinese New Year set dinner for four, including Poon Choi that people can preorder online. Often translated as "big bowl feast”, this communal-style festival meal consists of many layers served in a large bowl or basin called a poon.
A.Bento 飯匠 is offering limited Tiger Gift boxes that can be pre-ordered starting January 18, and the last day to order is January 28. Choose from three boxes or a combination of them, including yummy treats like candies and homemade sauces, or a meal box that has fish, pork, and rice dishes.
Heritage Asian Eatery’s Lunar New Year Feast for four includes delectables like Cured Chinese Hamand Prawn Dumplings, Sticky Rice Buns, Gai Lan, Chicken Wings with Truffle Salt, and Biang Biang Noodles. It’s available January 28 to February 6 for dine-in or take-out at their Broadway location.
Cold Tea Restaurant on Granville Street is offering special dishes along with crafty cocktails like their “Confucius Punch Bowl”, which features Baijiu, a Chinese distilled liquor.
Let’s roar into 2022, together.
The theme for this year’s LunarFest is “Together, Stronger”, so let’s wish each other prosperity and good fortune throughout this Lunar New Year.