Celebrate the Year of the Dragon when the Chilliwack Cultural Centre brings its first Lunar New Year event to the community.
It’ll be a day-long event on Friday, Feb. 9 filled with festivities highlighting the diverse and rich cultures honouring the first new moon of the lunar calendar.
“It is exciting to be hosting the Chilliwack Cultural Centre’s first Lunar New Year celebration,” said executive director Jean-Louis Bleau. “This major festival celebrated around the world is even more special given it is the Year of the Dragon. We’re inviting all of Chilliwack to come out and celebrate the Year of the Dragon together with us.”
The day kicks off with a lion dance at 10 a.m., followed by a lobby market and fair at 10:30 a.m. It ends with a formal evening show at 7 p.m. The lion dance and lobby market and fair are admission by donation, while the evening performance is a ticketed event.
With performances like Chinese kung fu, dancing, and music taking place at the market and fair, organizers are calling the afternoon a “lively event perfect for visiting with friends and family.”
During the evening show, people will see traditional Chinese dancing, singing and music.
“For me, personally, I love seeing and experiencing varied cultural traditions, learning about the history and the ways that these traditions are similar and different,” Bleau said. “It is exciting to share and witness diversity in all its forms and Lunar New Year is one of those traditions that I have always participated in. The idea of setting the stage for an auspicious and prosperous year ahead while seeing performances that share cultural expression is always so unique and exciting.”
Lunar New Year, a Chilliwack Chinese spring festival and New Year celebration, is at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Friday, Feb. 9. The opening lion dance is at 10 a.m., followed by the lobby market and fair from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The formal performance will take place in the theatre at 7 p.m.
The lion dance and lobby market and fair are admission by donation. Tickets to the evening show are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the Centre Box Office, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).
Looking for more events taking place in and around Chilliwack? Check out What’s happening Chilliwack in our community section.