Edmonton’s Chinatown comes alive for Lunar New Year with colorful celebrations

Edmonton’s Chinese community is celebrating Lunar New Year with vibrant festivities that have transformed Chinatown into a hub of color and excitement.

“I’ve never seen a Chinese parade like this, like the lion and dragon parade so it would be a good cultural experience,” said one parade goer.

This year’s Lunar New Year celebration ushers in the year of the snake.

Edmontonians flocked to 97th Street in North Chinatown on Sunday to participate in the New Year parade, featuring traditional lion and dragon dancers accompanied by a group of drummers.

“I want my kids to learn about different cultures and learn about the real view and perspectives of things,” said another parade goer.

While this year is expected to represent a time of transformation, community members are hoping for more safety and security within their community.

“I hope for businesses to get busier and start picking up,” said Duc Thai, owner of Nam Siam. “I hope I’ll be better than the last few years. I hope something will change.”

“Chinatown is safe to come to, to visit the more people on the street, going to the shops, eating, walking around and live in the area, you will create that cohesiveness,” said Sandy Pon, chair of Chinatown Transformation Collaborative Society.

Residents and workers in Chinatown have been facing issues related to crime and disorder, with a concentration of social supports in the area.

Community leaders and businesses say they’re optimistic the new year will make Chinatown a more vibrant place to be.

“When we have more safety and security to the area more people will come to Chinatown and that will help businesses a lot,” said Lan Chan, vice-chair of the Chinatown Transformation Collaborative Society.

“Me and my wife we have two girls, sometimes they come and help and sometimes I go home I can’t sleep until they get home,” said Thai. “Safety is number one.”