Vaughan Celebrates Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dragon
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On Sunday, January 29, 2012, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council joined the Federation of Chinese Canadians in York Region (FCCYR), special guests and residents at Vaughan City Hall to celebrate the Chinese New Year and welcome the Year of Dragon.
“The City of Vaughan is blessed with many vibrant and diverse communities,” said Mayor Bevilacqua. “We are proud of our thriving Chinese community and the opportunity to share this occasion with all residents reflects our commitment to preserving and sharing our rich multicultural heritage. We live in a global village and we are fortunate to have the world at our doorsteps here in Vaughan."
The celebration opened with the official welcome, followed by the traditional lion dance eye-dotting ceremony. With the support of the FCCYR and PowerStream, the presenting sponsor, as well as a number of other business and community supporters, a variety of cultural presentations were featured, including fortune-telling, Chinese folk dance, a Shoaling kung fu demonstration, musical performances and the God of Good Fortune. Families enjoyed Chinese calligraphy and craft activities, art displays and customary Chinese refreshments. Children also were provided with a hands-on demonstration of preparing spring rolls.
"The Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar," said Sandra Yeung Racco, Ward 4 Councillor. "This event has provided all residents with the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the many ancient Chinese traditions and customs. I would like to thank the FCCYR and the many volunteers for working with us to bring such a wonderful event to the City of Vaughan."
Of all the traditional Chinese festivals that are celebrated around the world, the New Year is perhaps the most elaborate, colourful and important in the Chinese community. It is a time to congratulate each other on having completed another year, and a time to part with the old and welcome in the new.
"The Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar," said Sandra Yeung Racco, Ward 4 Councillor. "This event has provided all residents with the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the many ancient Chinese traditions and customs. I would like to thank the FCCYR and the many volunteers for working with us to bring such a wonderful event to the City of Vaughan."
Of all the traditional Chinese festivals that are celebrated around the world, the New Year is perhaps the most elaborate, colourful and important in the Chinese community. It is a time to congratulate each other on having completed another year, and a time to part with the old and welcome in the new.