Caden Chiu, 4, watched wide-eyed as colourful dragon and lion dancers paraded down the streets of Chinatown Sunday celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year.
The parade, one of the largest in North America, drew more than 40,000 people, and marked the Year of the Dragon — the luckiest sign in the Chinese zodiac.
Caden’s mom, Lisa Hui, enjoyed seeing all the traditional colours — a sea of red and gold — and the firecrackers.
“It’s also a great environment for the kids to be in because it’s a good way to go back to their cultural background,” she added.
But for Caden, who was wearing a traditional Chinese outfit, it’s all about the treats.
“I like the chocolate candies,” he said.
Mayor Gregor Robertson, who donned a traditional red Chinese shirt and was handing out lucky red envelopes to the revellers, said the parade is a great opportunity for cultural exchange, since it brings people of all cultures together.
“The Chinese New Year parade is one of Vancouver’s great parades,” he added. “People come out regardless of the weather to celebrate the Lunar New Year in style. It’s great to see so many people come out and recognize the importance of this time of year.”
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
About The Reporter
