Celebrating Chinese New Year

A lot of people have been coming to my blog to find out about Chinese New Year in 2007. I thought it was only fitting to do a post on Chinese New Year since it is quite big here in Vancouver. Unfortunately since I'm not in Switzerland at the present, I really would have to investigate more about the events happening in major cities such as Basel and Zurich.

For 2007, the Chinese celebrate the Year of the Pig. Of course, there are many festivals throughout the world celebrating this wonderful day. Chinese New Year is known in Chinese as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year. Somehow, I think Switzerland celebrates in the same way with Carnival or Fasnacht.

Of course Chinese Nwe Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. The festival proper begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th, in which this day is called Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year is also the time when overseas Chinese all around the world travel home to have reunion dinners with their families on Chinese New Year's eve. Read more about Chinese New Year on Wiki.

Here is a look at a few of the festivals.

Sydney, Australia - Get your Chinese New Year Festival Tickets for 2007 year of the pig.
Vancouver, BC - Chinese New Year Festivals in Chinatown.
Run down of major cities and events
Dr. Sun Yat Sin gardens - what a beautiful place!
Parade in Vancouver for Chinese New Year festival.

The Chinese New Year is a highlight celebration in Vancouver (Pacific Boulevard S) and is one of the largest and most vibrant cultural events in the country. The event consists of two weeks of contemporary and traditional entertainment, food, drink, games and activities. There are also prizes, food markets, flower fairs, traditional art and artists, and much more to see and experience. Bring the kids for the carnival and children's activities. Admission ranges from free to CAD10 for adults and CAD5 for kids and seniors. I'd recommend it if you are from the area. We won't be making it this year as we do have other weekend plans.