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2018 is the Year of the Dog! This year’s Lunar New Year Extravaganza was held in a grand scale on Saturday, February 3 and Sunday, February 4 at West Edmonton Mall’s Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace.
The event was organized by Edmonton Chinatown Multicultural Centre and presented by TD Canada Trust. Among the VIPs who graced the occasion were Honourable Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta, Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Ms. Xo Lo, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, based in Calgary, Mr. Abbas Panju, District VP, TD Canada Trust, Mr. Raymond Ng, Chairman, Edmonton Chinatown Multicultural Centre and Mr. Henry Fung, Chairman, Lunar New Year Extravaganza Planning Committee.
Premier Rachel Notley, speaking at the Grand Opening ceremony stated, “This year, Alberta is going to be a year of opportunities. It’s going to be year of hope and optimism.” She also added that China is “Alberta’s second largest trading partner, trade surpassing $6 billion per year.”
According to Mr. Raymond Ng, Chairman, Edmonton Chinatown Multicultural Centre, “Of all the traditional festivals, Chinese Lunar New Year is one of the most important.”
Minister Amarjeet Sohi, in a tweet, reminded that this year is extra special in Canada-Chinese relations as 2018 has been designated as Canada-China Year of Tourism.
Lion Dance, Dragon Dance and several other traditional music and dances, including Kung Fu and Tai Chi demonstrations were performed to entertain the hundreds of visitors who attended Extravaganza. There were also trade stalls displaying products and services offered by both commercial and non-government organizations in addition to stalls selling Chinese food, clothing and other items.
Year of the Dog
According to Chinese astrology, each year (of birth of an individual) is related to an animal on a 12-year rotation basis. Therefore, 2006 was the last time a year of dog was named. Of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, 11 are those that inhabit the earth. The only exception is the dragon, a mythological creature.
Dogs (those born in such 12-year intervals) are generally considered as loyal and honest, kind and prudent, but can be stubborn too, at times.
Edmonton Chinatown Multicultural Centre
Begun in 1985, the aims of this Multicultural Centre are to preserve, promote and share all aspects of Chinese culture and heritage with Canadians.
It is located at 9540-102 Avenue, Edmonton. Phone: 780-424-8124.
