2018 Chinese New Year Celebration at Toronto‘s Chinatown

This year the Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, falls on Feb. 16, a day upon which people around the world welcome the start of a new calendar.

According to the Chinese zodiac, this year is also the Year of the Dog, which is the Chinese astrological sign that applies to people born not just in 2018, but also the years 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006.

Chinatown BIA celebrated Chinese New Year on February 17 & 18 with numerous traditional performances and interactive games.

Chinatown CNY Celebration




Toronto Police

Lion Dance

中国驻多伦多副总领事发红包
In Chinese and other East Asian societies, a red envelope is a monetary gift which is given during Chinese New Year. But at the opening ceremony, you will only find a chocolate coin in any of the red envelopes.

Dragon City Mall
Two shopping malls at Chinatown – Chinatown Centre and Dragon City Mall each has a stage for performances.
Chinatown Centre



旗袍秀
The stylish and often tight-fitting qipao was created in the 1920s in Shanghai and made fashionable by socialites and upper class women.

This qipao show was performed by a Zen Buddhist group which used this celebration as an opportunity to promote their religious books(their equivalent of the Bible).
旗袍秀

东方舞蹈团:扇舞

敦煌舞
Dunhuang Dance is dances that originated from Dunhuang fresco in Dunhuang, Gansu province, West China. The dances itself is influenced by Buddha images and Buddha religion.

芭蕾舞
Most performances at the celebration are traditional Chinese ones but there are also Korean and Western dance performances.
Ballroom Dance



现场书法表演
Fai Chun is a traditional decoration that is frequently used during Chinese New Year.
加拿大国家银行
National Bank’s Chinatown branch is decorated with Fai Chun.