Vaughan to celebrate Chinese New Year with lanterns, lion dances and more

Year of the Rooster a symbol for courage and kindness

The Chinese New Year is upon us. This vibrant cultural festival — also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival — is full of lively and time-honoured traditions, including costumes, decorations, parades, brilliant lights, firecrackers and red envelopes filled with lucky money. It’s a celebration that welcomes happiness, longevity, well-being and prosperity.
 
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council invite residents and guests to usher in the Chinese New Year and welcome the Year of the Rooster at Vaughan City Hall on Jan. 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., with an official welcome at 3 p.m. The Chinese New Year is an opportunity for the community to come together to take pride in and experience the customs and traditions that make up Vaughan’s rich multicultural landscape.
 
This year, the event is organized in partnership with the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Vaughan (FCCV) and sponsored by The Remington Group, Splendid China Mall and The Vogue Development Group. Festivities include a traditional lion dance, an eye-dotting ceremony and a visit from the God of Fortune. There will also be stage entertainment — including musical performances, a magic show and a Feng Shui master who will speak about the zodiac — as well as children’s games, colouring activities, paper crafting and Chinese calligraphy.
 
A booth will be set up to provide residents with information on getting involved in events and initiatives throughout the year in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday. For more information about Canada 150 in Vaughan, please visit vaughan.ca/Canada150. For more information about Chinese New Year, please visit vaughan.ca.