2009 is the Year of the Ox!
Every year Vancouver marks the Chinese New Year with celebrations around Chinatown, culminating in the annual Chinese New Year Parade, a cultural extravaganza that's one of the city's biggest and best annual parades.
Organized by the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver since 1979, the parade has grown into a must-see event in Vancouver, attracting over 50,000 spectators and 3,000 performers, including the largest assembly of lion dance teams in Canada.
With more than 50 lions, diverse multicultural dance troupes, the Vancouver Police Department Motorcycle Drill Team, marching bands and more, the Chinese New Year Parade is a celebration not to be missed.
- When: Sunday, February 1, 12pm - 2:30pm
- Where: The 1.5km Chinese New Year Parade route starts at the Millennium Gate at Pender St. and heads east, turning south onto Gore St., then west onto Keefer St.
- Getting to the Chinese New Year Parade: Like any big, downtown event, driving and parking will be extremely difficult. Buses are the best option. Since so many streets will be blocked off, check Translink for alternate bus routes.
Be sure to stick around after the parade. If the weather permits, the lion dance teams will meet on Pender St., in front of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver, for a grand finale and martial arts demonstrations.
