Diversity and Inclusion at Lunar New Year Festivals in Montreal and Vancouver

The celebration of the Lunar New Year is set to take place in two major Canadian cities, highlighting the cultural diversity and inclusion efforts within the Asian communities of Montreal and Vancouver.

In Montreal, Le Vieux-Port de Montréal will mark the Lunar New Year on Saturday, February 10th at 3 p.m. with a vibrant performance by the Montreal Chinese Lion Dance Club near the ice rink. The traditional Lion Dance is believed to bring luck and prosperity to the spectators.

On the other side of the country, the organizers of the Vancouver Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade made a significant decision to include previously rejected progressive groups in the upcoming event. The groups, Chinatown Together and Lunar New Year For All, received approval to participate in the 50th-anniversary parade which celebrates the Year of the Dragon.

The sudden change in decision by the organizing committee, led by spokesperson Frank Huang, came after initial letters were sent excluding the groups due to concerns of political activism and potential disruptions. However, the committee did not provide a detailed explanation for the reversal of their stance.

Chinatown Together, founded by community activist Melody Ma, and Lunar New Year For All, led by Pearl Wong, both advocate for social issues within the Asian community and were initially barred from participating in the parade. The groups have since been welcomed back, fostering a sense of unity and diversity for the festive event.

Jordan Eng, president of the Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Association, emphasized the complex social and economic dynamics within Chinatown, acknowledging differing viewpoints on gentrification and community engagement. Eng highlighted the importance of the parade in showcasing a positive and unified image of Chinatown amidst ongoing societal challenges.