Victoria’s Chinatown is set to burst with colour, drumbeats, and cultural performances this weekend as the city rings in the Year of the Snake.
Hosted by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, this much-anticipated event on Sunday, February 9th invites both locals and visitors to experience one of the most vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations in Canada’s oldest Chinatown.
The festivities kick off at 11:30 a.m. at the iconic Gates of Harmonious Interest on Fisgard Street, where an eight-lion performance by the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club will set the stage for an afternoon of lively entertainment.
The Victoria Chinese Public School will also showcase a stunning dragon dance, alongside traditional Chinese dances that pay tribute to the community’s rich heritage.
Following the opening ceremonies, the celebration will continue with a Merchant Blessings Parade, where two lion teams will journey through Chinatown, visiting local businesses to perform traditional blessing rituals.
Merchants will present offerings of lettuce and red envelopes to the lions, symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and the warding off of evil spirits for the year ahead.
Parade route and road closures
The parade will travel from the 500 block of Fisgard Street to the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and Chinese Public School at 636 Fisgard Street.
The route will be lined with spectators eager to take in the dazzling performances and time-honoured traditions.
To accommodate the celebrations, several downtown streets will be temporarily closed:
- Fisgard Street (Store St. to Government St.) – Closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Government Street (Pandora Ave. to Herald St.) – Closed from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Bike lane will remain open)
- Douglas Street and Store Street (Pandora Ave. to Herald St.) – Subject to short-term closures between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. for the Merchant Blessings Parade.
Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle, or take public transit to the event. BC Transit will operate on a regular schedule, and the downtown bike valet will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those arriving on two wheels.
A celebration for all, rain or shine
No matter the weather, Chinatown’s streets will be filled with energy, culture, and community spirit.
This free, family-friendly celebration is an opportunity to experience traditional Chinese New Year customs, learn about the significance of the Year of the Snake, and connect with Victoria’s vibrant Chinese community.
Don’t miss this spectacular celebration as Victoria welcomes a new year of prosperity, health, and good fortune!
Lunar New Year’s Parade & Blessing of Merchants
- Where: Downtown Victoria’s Chinatown, beginning at the Gates of Harmonious Interest, Fisgard Street
- When: Sunday, February 9, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
