Lion Dance and Parade to celebrate Lunar New Year in East Chinatown set for Saturday, Feb. 8
As part of the many celebrations welcoming Lunar New Year, the annual Lion Dance and Parade will take place in Toronto’s East Chinatown this Saturday, Feb. 8.
Organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of East Toronto, the Lion Dance and Parade begins at noon at the Zhong Hua Men Archway on Gerrard Street East.
The Archway is located one block west of Broadview Avenue at Hamilton Street, on the south side of Gerrard Street across from Hubbard Park.
The Lion Dance and Parade is part of celebrations across the city for Lunar New Year which took place on Jan. 29 and welcomes the Year of the Snake.
Along with China, the Lunar New Year is also celebrated in other countries such as Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia. Although some of the traditions are shared amongst these nations, celebrations are unique to each country’s cultural identity.
The Chinese zodiac calendar has 12 symbols – Mouse, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
Those with birth years 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025 are in the Year of the Snake. They are considered charming, intelligent and creative, according to the zodiac symbology.
