Vaughan celebrates the Year of the Ox
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City marks Lunar New Year with virtual event
Today, the Vaughan community welcomed the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Ox – virtually – with Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council.
Today, the Vaughan community welcomed the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Ox – virtually – with Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council.
This marked the 10th annual City of Vaughan Lunar New Year celebration. Previously, it was held at Vaughan City Hall, but, this year, it was shifted online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual festivities included remarks from Mayor Bevilacqua and Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, highlights from past events and the traditional Lion Dance.
Lunar New Year is a vibrant cultural holiday that commemorates the beginning of a new Asian calendar in late January or early February every year. It is also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year. This 15-day festivity is observed with a variety of traditions, including thoroughly cleaning one’s house to bring good luck and exchanging red money envelopes to encourage prosperity. It is a time to welcome new beginnings, good fortune and overall well-being. The Year of the Ox symbolizes confidence, logic and leadership.
This year, citizens are encouraged to only celebrate the Lunar New Year in-person with people who live in their household and to connect virtually with all other family, friends and neighbours.
QUOTE
“Today, Vaughan’s Asian communities will celebrate the Spring Festival and welcome the Year of the Ox. Of all the traditional cultural festivals observed worldwide, the Lunar New Year is one of the most elaborate and colourful occasions in the Asian calendar. As we welcome the new year, we acknowledge the rich heritage of Asian-Canadians and recognize their important role in our city-building efforts. To everyone celebrating, I wish you health, happiness and prosperity in 2021. Happy Lunar New Year!”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- The Year of the Ox symbolizes confidence, logic and leadership.
- The Lunar New Year event can be watched here.
- To stay up to date on the latest updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
- Vaughan culture groups, organizations and artists can stay up to date on local cultural news, programs, events and opportunities through the Economic and Cultural Development eNewsletter at vaughanbusiness.ca/enewsletters
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