Why is Lunar New Year significant?

Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival and Chinese New Year, is one of the most important holidays for those of East Asian heritage. Asian communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate the beginning of a new lunar year, with 2024 being the Year of the Dragon. Festivities last several days and culminate with the ‘Lantern Festival’ on the 15^th day.

Celebrating Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is about hope, new beginnings and good fortune. To celebrate, people wear red and bring gifts and special foods to share with friends and family. Older family members often hand out red envelopes containing money to younger relatives. In Chinese culture, the colour red brings prosperity, while money symbolizes the hope for wealth and abundance.

There are often fireworks, parades featuring lion dancers, banquets, and brightly lit lanterns at night.

Recognizing Lunar New Year in Red Deer

On Saturday, February 10, 2024, City Hall will be illuminated in red in recognition of Lunar New Year.

Resources

Learn more about Lunar New Year celebrations in Red Deer at Red Deer & District Chinese Community Society or visit the Red Deer Community Events Calendar.