The new year invites contemplation on the significance of cultural heritage. With extensive human migration, it's crucial to reconsider our approach to 'traditions', adapting them to fit modern realities. In Canada’s diverse society, people from various backgrounds engage with and contribute to their new homeland during important celebrations. This adds meaning and resonance to these festivities.
Embracing this spirit, LunarFest is creating a unique Lunar New Year celebration for Vancouverites. In the Year of the Dragon, we invite you to join us in letting our collective imaginations take flight. We are all Born to be Free, growing beyond the legacies we carry.
Launched by the Asian Canadian Special Events Association, Vancouver's distinct Lunar New Year celebration has been bridging various communities since 2019. This year, LunarFest Vancouver, The Lantern City, and LNY Splash have fostered numerous new collaborations. The festivities have expanded from a weekend-long event to an arts festival spanning nearly three weeks.
In 2024, building on the successes of previous years, LunarFest presents new and exciting activities for all ages. Returning to familiar sites of Jack Poole Plaza, šxʷƛ̓ ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ
Square, and the Orpheum, LunarFest presents crafts workshops, an arts market, a concert, and more. In partnership with the Vancouver International Film Festival Centre, seven Asian films will be screened. Experience Asian culture through the medium of film in a new LNY tradition with a Vancouver twist.
The Pendulum Gallery joins the lineup of iconic lantern installation sites, spotlighting Taiwanese Canadian Chigiri-e artist Leanne Lai Hildebrand in a solo exhibition. The WestEnd BIA and South Granville BIA communities add to the festivities with art installations 'The Gift of Life' and 'Peace & Prosperity for Life'. Each new location allows more communities to join the colourful tapestry of the new year.
Following the popularity of the 2023 Taiwan Craft Exhibition, ‘Island Tribute’ will showcase the natural beauty of Taiwan's environment and craft culture on Granville Island. Featuring four artists specializing in fiber weaving, the exhibition invites Canadians to appreciate the significant role nature plays in our aesthetic life. Bamboo weaving artist Huei-Ting Tsai will cultivate a group of friends interested in bamboo weaving in Vancouver. With their help, she plans to create large bamboo lanterns for The Lantern City project in 2025.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese choreographer Enru Lin will unveil an entirely original version of the 'Dragon Dance' with local dancers. She will lead students and festival attendees to express their own originality with their bodies.
This series of events will begin on February 9th. For more details, please visit the following three websites:
LunarFest Vancouver: www.LunarFestVancouver.ca
The Lantern City: www.TheLanternCity.ca
LNY Splash: www.LNYSplash.ca
