Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations taking place across Waterloo Region (5 photos)
Posted Jan 19, 2020 10:30:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Asian communities within Waterloo Region are ringing in the Year of the Rat as we approach the Lunar New Year.
January 25th marks the first day of the Lunar New Year in Chinese calendar, but a number of events are being held around that date.
The Central Ontario Chinese Cultural Centre (COCCC) held a celebration at the Stanley Park Community Centre in Kitchener on Saturday.
Martial art demonstrations, lion dances, and live music was all on display in the auditorium. A ping pong table was set up to one corner, and food was being sold at the other.
“We cook a lot of food,” said Ryan Wong, President, COCCC. It was his favourite part of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
“Oh it's definitely the food. Don't get me wrong. All the other events are good and stuff—but the food.”
According to Wong, noodles were very important in Chinese culture around New Year's as they've symbolized longevity. The longer the noodles; the longer the life.
Prosperity was another important part of Chinese New Year with many people wishing luck and good fortune onto others. Children would often be gifted with a lucky red envelope that contains a little money.
The COCCC organize a number of programs such as their ping pong club, weekly dance clubs, tai chi/martial arts clubs, and supporting the Kitchener-Waterloo Chinese School held at Sir John A Macdonald Sr. Public School in Waterloo. Each year they also participate in the Multicultural Festival.
They're hosting another celebration on Sunday February 2nd: the Chinese Lunar New Year Gala at the University of Waterloo Federation Hall. It's a more formal event compared to other events happening in the region with more traditional dances, performances and a buffet.
“Maybe some alcohol involved,” Wong muttered.
Tickets are $50 for adults, $30 for children between the ages of 4 and 12. Free admission for kids under four. More info can be found on their Facebook page.
The Waterloo Chinese Cultural Association is hosting their own gala at the Forbes Family Hall at Rim Park, Waterloo on Saturday, February 15th.
Ten dollar admission, but free for kids 4 and under. They will also be collecting donations for the Canadian Food Bank. More info here.
The City of Kitchener is hosting a Chinese New Year event at the Kitchener Farmers Market on Saturday, January 25th.
The Museum in downtown Kitchener is also hosting a lion dance showcase on Sunday, January 26th along with other Chinese New Year themed programming. More info can be found at their website.
