Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Canada’s oldest Chinatown, presented by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. The event is open to all and features welcome speeches, an incense ceremony, a lion dance by the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club and performances by the Victoria Chinese Public School, including dragon and traditional dances. Merchant blessings, a tradition where lion teams visit local businesses, are part of the festivities.
When: Sunday, February 9, 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Chinatown, beginning at the Gates of Harmonious Interest, Fisgard Street
Merchant Blessings Parade: Begins at the Chinese Public School and follows a route through the surrounding neighbourhood and Chinatown.
Getting to and from the event:
Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle or take the bus. BC Transit will operate as usual, and the downtown bike valet will be open from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., just a short walk from Chinatown.
Parking:
- No parking on Fisgard St. (Store St. to Douglas St.) and Government St. (Pandora Ave. to Herald St.) during the event.
- The Fisgard Street parkade is open but accessible only via Douglas St. starting at 11:30 a.m.
Road Closures:
Fisgard Street:
- Store St. to Government St.: Closed 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Government St. to Fisgard parkade: Closed 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Government Street:
- Pandora Ave. to Herald St.: Closed 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. (bike lane open).
Temporary Closures:
- Douglas St. and Store St. (both from Pandora Ave. to Herald St.) will have 30-minute closures for the merchant blessings between 2–3:30 p.m.
Please note: Westbound traffic on Pandora Ave. cannot turn right onto Government or Store St. during the event (Vehicles must either turn left on Government or Wharf or continue over the bridge). Use Blanshard St. for downtown access.