Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is one of the most important traditional holidays in China and is celebrated around the world, including in Toronto. The holiday falls between January and February and is based on the lunar calendar.
In Toronto, the Chinese New Year celebrations are a vibrant and colourful affair. The city has a large Chinese population, and the celebrations reflect the diversity and richness of Chinese culture. The highlight of the celebrations is the annual parade which takes place in the downtown area; specifically China Town. The parade features lion and dragon dances, floats and performances by local Chinese community groups.
Another popular event during Chinese New Year in Toronto is the New Year Fair, which takes places at the Chinese Cultural Centre. The fair features traditional and contemporary Chinese arts, crafts, food and performances. Visitors can also participate in cultural activities such as calligraphy, paper cutting and lantern making.
The Chinese community in Toronto also celebrates the New Year with traditional customs such as giving red envelopes filled with money to children, cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, and decorating red lanterns and banners. Many families also gather for a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, where they eat traditional foods such as dumplings and fish.
Overall, Chinese New Year in Toronto is a time of joy, celebration, and cultural exchange. It is a great opportunity for people of all backgrounds to experience and learn more about Chinese culture and tradition.
Bentway February 22, 2022 – noon to 3pm various events
Chinatown Centre January 21 and 22, 2023 – Lion Dance, Chinese Folk Dance, Chinese Orchestra, and a few other activities.
Holt’s Café – afternoon tea – until January 29
Yee Hong Dragon Ball – Metro Convention Centre January 21, 2023
Toronto Eaton Centre – January 20, 21, 27, 28 -Traditional Lion Dance, Theatrical Dance Performance, God of Fortune