Following a two-year hiatus, the much-anticipated return of Chinatown’s Lunar New Year parade finally arrived Sunday.
Tens of thousands of British Columbians were in attendance at the downtown Vancouver popular festival and parade, as they celebrated the 2023 Year of the Rabbit.
The festival and parade saw a painter’s palette of vibrant colours of costumes, dancers, and fireworks.
Festival enjoyers were seen dancing in the streets, an obvious celebration for thousands of British Columbians.
A few well-known politicians made appearances as well. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau walked the streets, interacted with community members, and watched the parade.
B.C. Premier David Eby was seen handing out candy.
And Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre was seen handing out lucky money red envelopes.
“Lunar New Year symbolizes a time of new beginnings and renewed hope,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.
“I am delighted that this year the traditional Vancouver Spring Festival Parade returns to Chinatown and that we are once again able to celebrate with our loved ones.”
The 1.3 kilometre-long parade started at the Millennium Gate on Peder Street and ended at Keefer Street near Abbot.
The parade began at 11 a.m.
To accommodate the parade, the City of Vancouver had numerous road closures that affected traffic on Sunday:
- Main Street
- Pender Street (east and west)
- Beatty Street
- Abbott Street
- Taylor Street
- Shanghai Alley
- Columbia Street
- Quebec Street
- Carrall Street
- Keefer Street and Keefer Place
- East Georgia Street
- Gore Avenue
- Alleys in the parade area will be closed, including access to private parkades. Residents of Taylor Street and Shanghai Alley will have vehicular access to Keefer Place, westbound only.
Global BC is a proud sponsor of the parade.