It almost always rains at this parade. Held in the dead of a winter this, Chinese Spring Festival celebrating the Year of the Ox, winds its way through the original Chinatown of Vancouver. But the weather doesn’t stop tens of thousands of people from showing up to watch

…the largest assembly of traditional lion dance teams in Canada.  There are over fifty (50) colourful and energetic lions from the various local fraternal and martial arts organizations.  Other highlights include multicultural dance groups representing the diverse segments of our Canadian cultural heritage, the Vancouver Police Department Motorcycle Drill Team, marching bands and various community groups….with an estimated total of 3,000 participants. [Source]

The weather was wet snow and rain and I was cold an miserable in short order. While waiting for the parade to begin, I bought a wok for S from Ming Wo - the best cookware store in Vancouver - where I learned the difference between woks that require seasoning and those that don’t. Woks that require seasoning are less expensive.

There was much drumming as different groups moved to the staging area and I noticed that almost all the members were wearing earplugs [good for them, but what about the public?] so I went to a drugstore and bought some for myself. I saw a father holding the ears of his child and I offered him an extra pair of mine. He was very pleased.

Quick notes on the parade:

• It is the only time that firecrackers are legal in Vancouver. Parade ‘marshals’ lit hundreds of full packages and threw them on the road.
• All the politicians were grouped together near the beginning.
• The largest and thickest crowds were between Carrall St and Main St near the start of the parade. There was a lot more space and view areas between Main and Gore.
• I could have made a few bucks selling earplugs. If the drummers are wearing them, the public should be given them too.

The Pics:

Pipers on their way….

Oxens have horns, right?

Is it a lion or a dragon?

I’m not sure why the Carnival Band is in this parade, its a bit incongruous

but a Brazilian samba rhythm band [not pictured] was also here.

There were fan dancers…

and flag wavers.

This is definitely a lion.

More pics from other people here

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