Despite the cold, thousands of spectators lined the streets of Chinatown for the 2011 Lunar New Year parade on Sunday.
As home to the continent’s second-largest Chinatown, Vancouver’s Lunar New Year festivities are an always-entertaining city tradition — and this year’s parade did not disappoint.
More than 3000 participants were estimated to have taken part in this year’s procession, which featured dozens of dance troupes, marching bands and community groups.
Although it’s commonly referred to as Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year is one of the world’ s biggest celebrations, spanning across Asia.
“Many cultures are taking part,” said Sherry Wang of the Asian-Canadian Special Events Association. “People are recognizing that it’s important to come together.”
The festival has become one of Vancouver’s most important cultural events, drawing an average of 50,000 spectators each year.
“Vancouver is a multi-cultural society, and Lunar New Year reflects that,” said Wang.
