It’s the Year of the Rabbit and there are a variety of ways to celebrate in Canada’s oldest Chinatown!
Lion Dance Parade
The Lion Dance Parade is back this year and will make its way through Chinatown on Sunday, January 29 from noon-3:30 p.m., visiting merchants who hang offerings of red envelopes and lettuce for the hungry lions. The event will also include Kung Fu demonstrations. Learn more: News & Events | Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club (hungfut.ca)
The Lion Dance Parade will start in the 500-block of Fisgard Street and the Lions will take two slightly different routes as they make their way through Chinatown. One Lion will travel on Fisgard Street, Douglas Street, Herald Street and Store Street before returning to the 500-block of Fisgard Street. The other Lion will travel on Fisgard Street, Government Street, Pandora Avenue and into Fan Tan Alley before returning to the 500-block of Fisgard Street.
Road Closure:
The 500-block of Fisgard Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and other downtown intersections will be closed as the participants move along the parade route. Please expect some traffic delays to accommodate the event.
Decorate
Celebrate by decorating windows and doorways, wearing red and visiting local shops and restaurants.
Historic Walking Tour of Chinatown
You can also enjoy the Historic Walking Tour of Chinatown using the City’s VicMap: Mysterious Chinatown Heritage Walking Tour (arcgis.com)
Chinese Canadian Museum
The Chinese Canadian Museum is also hosting a series of events in Victoria to celebrate the New Year: Year of the Rabbit Celebrations - Vancouver & Victoria - Canadian Chinese Museum 華裔博物館 (chinesecanadianmuseum.ca)
About the Year of the Rabbit
The rabbit is gentle, quiet, tame, tender, kind and very clever. The rabbit is good at adapting to its environment by moving very quickly, allowing it to protect itself during times of challenge. The Year of the Rabbit embodies yin, the passive principle of the universe, which manifests in relaxation, fluidity, quietness and reflection. In 2023, there will be opportunities for contemplation, rest and nurturing of body and soul, in an attempt to provide balance under the basic concept of yin and yang.