Lunar New Year Festival

The Chinese Graduate Association of Alberta is hosting a vibrant Lunar New Year Festival, offering a rich showcase of Chinese culture and arts. The event, running from 11 am to 5 pm with an official opening at noon, features a variety of interactive games such as chopstick challenges, fortune stick, wave bowl, wishing tree, mahjong, and Chinese board games. Attendees can engage in numerous activities and displays, including a photo booth, Chinese Knot and paper cutting, Year of the Dragon crafts, calligraphy, Chinese painting, puppet shows, and Traditional Dress Mascots.

A highlight is the God of Fortune, Lion, and Dragon parade starting at 11:30 am, which will snake through the main and second floors for an electrifying half hour. The parade will pause at various stores to give a blessing for prosperity in the coming year. Additional performances throughout the day include multiple Lion and Dragon Dances, a Qilin (Chinese Unicorn) Dance, martial arts demonstrations, traditional dances, and musical ensembles.

Additional unique elements include the production of a 100 foot “Fu – Prosperity” mural, live music from the Chinese Old Timer Band as well as educational elements including a Chinatown display, a Mah Society Display on the Edmonton Chinese community’s history, and information booths from various local organizations.

Additionally, art and cultural workshops are available for pre-registration and walk-ins, covering Chinese painting, calligraphy, Erhu (Chinese violin), Tai Chi, Qilin dance, Kung Fu, and Lion dance.

Events will take place throughout Kingsway, with larger performance and workshop areas will take place on the Main Level near Starbucks, Main Level near JD Sports, and Upper Level near Marshalls.This event promises to be a dynamic and immersive experience into Chinese culture and festivities.