Lunar New Year 2015: Five events to check out in Richmond, B.C.
Try a Chinese New Year temple fair at a winery or enjoy a traditional dragon dance
Want to celebrate the Lunar New Year but not sure where to start? Looking for Chinese New Year celebrations to commemorate the Year of the Sheep?
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On the Coast spoke with Henry Beh, Executive Director of the Richmond Chinese Community Society, to get his advice. The not-for-profit society is involved in a number of Lunar New Year activities in Richmond, B.C.
1. Chinese New Year Celebration or 'Miaohui' Temple Fair: Feb. 20 to 22 at Canada Berries
This local winery will be debuting its first ever Chinese New Year Miaohui or "temple fair" on site. There will be entertainment for kids and adults alike, including fireworks, face painting, cultural dancing and more.
There will also be vendors and booths featuring food and the signature Canada Berries fruit wines and icewines.
2. Chinese New Year Celebration: Feb. 21, 22 at Aberdeen Centre
To commemorate the Year of the Sheep, Aberdeen Centre will host a weekend of cultural celebrations, performances and a variety of family-friendly activities to celebrate the year ahead. From 1 p.m. PT to 4 p.m. daily in the central atrium.
3. Chinese New Year Festival: Feb. 21 at Lansdowne Centre
Lansdowne Centre also gets into the festive Lunar New Year in partnership with the Richmond Chinese Community Society.
The opening ceremony starts at 12:30 p.m., with a traditional lion dance, a jaw-dropping martial arts demonstration, singing, dancing and cultural entertainment until 5 p.m.
During this popular all-ages event, which draws an annual crowd of about 2,000 people, the "Money God" will be handing out lucky red envelopes and wishing all visitors good fortune.
Additional performers include Chinese opera singers, youth ballroom dancers, a hip-hop dance crew, Japanese Okinawa style drummers and dancers, and a magician.
4. Chinese New Year Lion Dance: Feb. 22 at Richmond Centre
Watch a traditional lion dance at Richmond Centre mall on Sunday, Feb. 22 starting at 2 p.m. Lucky red lai see envelopes will be handed out as the lion dancers make their way through the mall, visiting participating retailers along the way.
5. Year of the Sheep Celebration: Feb. 22, 23 at Parker Place Mall
Drop-in to Parker Place throughout the Chinese New Year weekend to celebrate the Year of the Sheep.
On Sunday, Feb. 22 a traditional dragon dance will captivate the crowd and on Monday, Feb. 23 a lion dance will bring good luck and good fortune to all in attendance.
Also on Sunday, Feb. 22, Parker Place will host a variety show with singing, dancing and other special talents showcased. Chinese New Year celebrations run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.