If someone is looking to partake in Chinese New Year activities as a small group or as just an individual, there’s lots of different events happening in Richmond:
International Buddhist Temple’s Chinese New Year Flower Bazaar – February 3-8
Modelled after the Forbidden City in China, the International Buddhist Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in North America. To celebrate Chinese New Year, the Temple will be holding the popular annual Flower Bazaar, with traditional blessing couplets, flowers and food. All sales will be donated to the temple.
Also noteworthy about the Buddhist Temple is that they have a Zen Kitchen, which is open to visitors – for a $18 donation, they can have a delicious vegetarian meal at the kitchen.
Chinese New Year Tea at London Heritage Farm – February 6-February 7
In celebration of Chinese New Year, London Heritage Farm Historical site is hosting a special event with full service tea in the Heritage Tea Room. Tea service includes London Heritage Farm’s unique blend of London Lady tea, home-baked scones, jam and jelly, and home-made cookies. Tea service starts at $12.50 per person.
Chinese New Year Celebrations at Aberdeen Centre – February 1-8
Aberdeen Centre, one of North America’s largest Asian malls, will be hosting a variety of events and celebrations during the first week of February. The annual Flower & Gift Fair will be returning to the mall, as well as the Chinese New Year countdown on February 7 and the Golden Dragon and Lion Dance on Monday, February 8. For a full calendar of events, including daily schedules, please visit Aberdeen’s event page.
Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre – Chan Culture Open House – February 13
On Saturday, Feb. 13th, Dharma Drum Mountain Vancouver Center welcomes you and your family to come and celebrate Chinese New Year with us. The center will have different programs and performances suitable for all age groups the whole day (10am – 3pm). Activities include experiencing meditation, drumming lessons, calligraphy, and performances of Chinese instruments and traditional songs. There will also be a delicious vegetarian lunch. You can also participate in the ancient Chan (Zen) tea ceremony and try different types of meditation.
By: Richard Wolak