Chinese New Year in Vancouver 2011

The Year of the Rabbit will be rung in with much fanfare this week as communities across the city celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Photo credit: kennymatic on Flickr

Chinese New Year Parade
Date: February 6, 2011 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: The starting point is at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street (between Shanghai Alley and Taylor Street) then the parade will proceed east along Pender Street, turn south onto Gore Street, turn west onto Keefer Street and then disperse at Keefer and Columbia. Check out the parade route map for the best viewing locations.

Details: This is a free, public event that is attended by 50,000 people each year with 3,000 participants from various community and cultural groups.

Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival
Date: February 6, 2011 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm (immediately following the parade)
Location: Chinese Cultural Centre Courtyard (50 East Pender St)

Details: Free, public event with a lions dance, multicultural performances, and martial arts demonstrations. More information is available from the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver .

International Village
Date: February 4, 5, 6, 2011 from 12:000pm to 10:00pm (7:00pm on Sunday)
Location: International Village (88 West Pender St)

Details: Sponsor showcases, multicultural performances, product and service booths, kids corner with games and activities, Chinese New Year Opening Ceremony on the main stage, and free admission.

Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden
Date: February 6, 2011 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. The entrance is in the lane off Carrall St between West Pender St and Keefer St.

Details: Drumming, children’s lions parade, flower-making, calligraphy, warm buns by Bon Chaz, storytelling, mini-tours of the gardens, face-painting, balloons and more. Admission is by suggested donation of $5.

Should you know of any other Year of the Rabbit celebrations or community events, please feel free to list them in the comments.