Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration Set for February 22, 2026
Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration Set for February 22, 2026
VANCOUVER, BC – Jointly organized by the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association, S.U.C.C.E.S.S., Chinese Freemasons Vancouver Branch, and Shon Yee Benevolent Association of Canada, along with other community and multicultural organizations, the 2026 Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration will be held on February 22, 2026 (Year of the Horse, Lunar New Year’s 6th day), continuing its long tradition of presenting an unforgettable cultural celebration to the public.
A Tradition Entering Its 52nd Year
At a press conference held on January 8, Helen Qian, Director of the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration and President of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver, announced that this annual event, which began in 1974, has become one of Canada’s largest Spring Festival celebrations. Each year, diverse parade contingents gather in Chinatown to celebrate Canada’s proud multiculturalism. The festival is now a signature event in Vancouver, adding vibrant cultural color and serving as a bright symbol of the city.
As one of the Designated Civic Events or Parades by the City of Vancouver, irrespective of weather conditions – be it rain or shine, sleet or snow – the annual Spring Festival Parade has engaged nearly 5,000 individuals representing over 100 cultural groups from various communities. Participants include representatives from all levels of Canadian government as well as numerous dignitaries from consulates around the world, military and police forces, community organizations, scouting groups, marching bands, lion and dragon dance teams, and art and dance troupes. The event draws visitors from near and far, with peak attendance reaching close to 200,000 spectators.
Helen further stated that the 2026 celebration marks the 52nd year of the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration and will bring even more exciting festive programs and surprises to the community. A series of events will take place on February 22, 2026, the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, throughout Vancouver Chinatown. The public is warmly invited to participate and celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Horse together.
She added that, in Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes vitality, speed, freedom, and success. The Year of the Horse is regarded as one of the most dynamic and energetic among the twelve zodiac signs, representing action, breakthroughs, and opportunities, and carrying the auspicious meaning of “swift success.”
Helen also remarked that the forthcoming visit of Canadian Prime Minister Carney to China is a significant event in Canada–China relations. He expressed hope that the visit will contribute positively to the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, deepen practical cooperation across various fields, and strengthen people-to-people ties, ushering in new momentum in the Year of the Horse.
Intangible Cultural Heritage Showcasing the Charm of Chinese Culture
Mr. Huang Shun, Consul of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver, attended the press conference and noted that each Lunar New Year, historic Vancouver Chinatown becomes a focal point of joy and harmony. Since its inception in 1974, the Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration has developed into one of the largest and most representative multicultural festivals in Canada. It is not only a major occasion for the Chinese community to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, but also a broad platform for people of all backgrounds to celebrate diversity and share collective joy.
Mr. Huang highlighted that, following the inclusion of “Spring Festival — Social Practices of the Chinese People in Celebration of the Traditional New Year” on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the end of 2024, overseas Spring Festival celebrations have gained even deeper cultural significance. The Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade, as one of the internationally renowned overseas “Happy Chinese New Year” cultural brands, serves as an important window for showcasing the vitality and appeal of this cultural heritage to the world.
He further explained that the horse in Chinese culture symbolizes perseverance and forward momentum, while the Year of the Fire Horse represents passion, strong energy, and renewal. Mr. Huang expressed hope that this “Fire Horse” energy will invigorate Chinatown and the greater Vancouver region, bringing new momentum to community prosperity and cultural exchange.
Pre-Parade Spring Festival VIP Reception
Syrus Lee, a committee member of the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration and representative of the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association, introduced the annual VIP New Year Reception, held prior to the parade. Each year, the Chinatown Spring Festival Parade welcomes representatives from all three levels of government and numerous foreign consulates in Vancouver. In 2026, a special VIP reception will be held before the parade to allow distinguished guests to exchange New Year greetings. Location: the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association, Time: February 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m..
Encouraging Youth Volunteerism
Jacky Leung, a committee member of the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration and representative of S.U.C.CE.S.S., provided information on the recruitment of volunteers for the event. He pointed out that the large-scale Chinatown Spring Festival Parade, which attracts over 100,000 spectators, requires a significant number of volunteers for tasks such as organizing and maintaining order. Volunteer recruitment is currently underway, and he encourages more young people to actively participate. Interested individuals can contact S.U.C.CE.S.S. for registration.
Welcome to Participate, Support, and Sponsor
Raymond Cheung, Director of the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration and Chairman of the Chinese Freemasons, introduced the sponsorship program for the Spring Festival Celebration, welcoming businesses, associations, media, and individuals to support and participate in the event. To commemorate the 2026 Spring Festival Celebration, the organizing committee will edit and publish a “Special Edition.” All are invited to contribute, place advertisements, and help make the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration even more magnificent. For sponsorship details, please contact the Chinese Freemasons.
Spring Festival Celebration Gala Dinner
Norton Lee, Coordinator of the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration and Vice President of the Shon Yee Benevolent Association of Canada, shared details regarding the Lunar New Year Gala Dinner. Despite challenges arising from the temporary closure of Floata Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown, the Organizing Committee is making every effort to ensure that the traditional “Opening of the Year Banquet,” attended by approximately 1,000 guests, will proceed as planned. The gala dinner is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at the former Floata Seafood Restaurant location. The evening will feature lion dances, New Year greetings, the God of Wealth distributing red envelopes, singing and dance performances, and a festive banquet. Ticket prices: $55 per person; $550 per table (10 persons). Seating is limited. Organizations and individuals are encouraged to purchase tickets early through the Canadian Chee Kung Tong Benevolent Association. Deadline: February 15, 2026; Address: 408 Jackson Avenue; Inquiries: (604) 251-4515.
Chinatown Spring Festival Parade
Frank Huang, Coordinator of the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration and Vice President of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver, introduced the schedule of the Year of the Snake Chinatown Spring Festival Parade to be held on February 22, 2026. The parade will kick off at Millennium Gate in Chinatown at 11:00 am, proceeding along East Pender Street, Gore Street, and concluding at the intersection of Keefer Street and Carrall Street. The parade covers a distance of 1.3 kilometers, taking approximately 3 hours. Participants in the parade include representatives from all three levels of the Canadian government, military and police contingents, diplomats from China and various countries, as well as community groups, Scouts, military bands, lion dance troupes, dragon dance teams, cultural and artistic dance groups, and more.
Frank pointed out that the registration deadline for parade participants is January 15, 2026.
The Spring Festival Cultural Fair
George Wu, Secretary General of the Chinese Benevolent Association and person in charge of the Spring Festival Cultural Fair, provided details about the arrangement of the Cultural Fair. The Spring Festival Cultural Fair will take place on February 22, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Chinese Cultural Centre, and Dr. Sun Yat-sen Garden Courtyard (50 East Pender Street). The Lunar New Year celebration will feature a variety of multicultural artistic performances, including drama, singing, dancing, and other colorful programs, along with Lunar New Year celebration booths. Admission is free, and the public is welcome to attend with family and friends.
During the press conference, Helen Qian expressed her sincere appreciation to the community organizations and merchants for their continued support and sponsorship of the 2026 Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration.
Representatives of the event’s presenting sponsor, Upower Financial; Honorary Chairs: Mr. Richard Wong, Ms. Jeannie Cheng, Mr. Jiping Bai, Mr. Zhou Caiqiang, Mr. Cui Fan, and Mr. Zhou Hao; as well as representatives of the Platinum Sponsor, the Canadian Teochew Associations Federation, were also in attendance and delivered remarks.
For details on sponsorship methods, parade participation applications, applications for cultural and artistic performances, and volunteer registration for the 2026 Year of the Horse Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration, please follow the Vancouver Chinese Benevolent Association website and directly contact the Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration Committee for applications. For telephone inquiries, please call (604) 681-1923.