How to celebrate the Year of the Dragon in Toronto
CBC
Look out for lion dances, lanterns and plenty of food: today marks the start of the Year of the Dragon.
There's plenty to take in around the city as Toronto communities from different backgrounds mark the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated by many Asian communities.
It's a time for families to come together, share food and celebrate the year ahead, said Alan Lam, chair of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCCGT).
If the Chinese Zodiac is accurate, there's plenty to celebrate.
"The Dragon symbolizes action, energy, and a lot of positivity," said Lam. "So it's going to be a good year."
From dances to dinners to concerts, here's how you can join in this weekend's celebrations.
Many restaurants serving Asian cuisine will have specials this weekend, and some bakeries and grocery stores will have red candy and snack boxes available, a Chinese tradition for the occasion.
With Asian communities spread throughout the GTA, there are events everywhere this weekend.
The Markham Museum, Scarborough Town Centre and the Yorkdale Mall all have various activities for the whole family, like musical performances and lion dances. Lantern displays will run through the month at Mel Lastman Square in North York and Woodside Square in Scarborough.
A Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration is going on all weekend at the Small World Centre in the Trinity-Bellwoods neighbourhood.
Across town, the Toronto Public Library's Parliament Street branch is hosting a Korean Lunar New Year story time, with a reading in Korean, along with family friendly songs and activities.
The CCCGT is hosting a reception Saturday afternoon at its Scarborough headquarters and will close the two-week celebration with performances and a dragon lantern display on the evening of Feb. 24. Lam says he expects upwards of 600 people from around the neighbourhood to attend.
Downtown, Toronto's cultural centres are getting in on the party too.
TIFF Lightbox is hosting a free arts fair Sunday at 1 p.m., followed by a screening of the 2019 Chinese-American film The Farewell.
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