Celebrations for the Lunar New Year kick off this weekend, and Toronto is a-roar with festivities to ring in the Year of the Dragon. So go on and get outside, because regardless of when you traditionally celebrate New Year’s, by the third week of January we all need an excuse to party. Gung hay fat choy!
1. LunarFest
CIBC’s Lunar Fest began in 2009 in Vancouver and claims to be “Canada’s premier presenter of contemporary expression in Asian arts and culture.” This is the first year the festival comes to Toronto, hitting Harbourfront on Friday. Sticking to the Lunar New Year tradition of lanterns, watch for the world’s first lantern aquarium, made with environmentally-friendly LED lights. Activities for the kids include The Boy, the Shark and the Sea puppet show by Taiwanese puppet troupe Taiyuan Puppet Theater Company. For the skating faithful, the Natrel Rink has a Lunar Skate Friday night, with DJ Voltaire spinning tunes, lantern lighting and, of course, hot chocolate.
Harbourfront, Jan. 20-24, Free.
2. Chinese New Year at Scarborough Town Centre
Chinese New Year is a tradition at the Scarborough Town Centre, with celebrations often frequented by local councillors and police Chief Bill Blair. Highlights include the traditional lion dance that begins with the “wakening of the lions” — in other words, really loud, fantastic thunder drums. The God of Fortune, who hands out leisee red lucky money envelopes is also a favourite. “People mob the God,” Jai Lee, marketing director of the Scarborough Town Centre says. “Chinese New Year at the Centre is so colourful, it’s for everybody.”
Scarborough Town Centre, Jan. 21-22, Free.
3. Chinese New Year at the Evergreen Brick Works farmers’ market
Pick up some Chinese art and culture along with your local organic produce this Saturday at the Brick Works farmers’ market. Come for the Chinese music by Juni L. Yeung from the Toronto Gugin Society and the Toronto Chinese Orchestra and stay for the lion’s dance at noon.
Evergreen Brick Works, Jan. 21, Free.
4. Tet Toronto
In Vietnam, Lunar New Year comes at one of the the few breaks during the agricultural year, and folks start preparing weeks in advance for the important celebrations. Tet Toronto tries to capture the nation’s partying in one multi-event venue at the International Centre. There will be concerts from top Vietnamese performers, a children’s playground, and more importantly, vendors with lots and lots of Vietnamese food. For the first time, talented locals submitted video auditions and there will be a “Tet’s Got Talent” competition. Who could resist?
International Centre, Jan. 21, $16 in advance, $20 at the door.