LunarFest Vancouver offers lively celebrations to welcome Year of the Tiger
Special activities include art workshops, film screenings, fortune-telling, and more
Post Sponsored by Asian-Canadian Special Events Association
“Farm when it’s sunny and read when it rains” is the way of life for the Hakka people of Taiwan.
Asian-Canadian Special Events Association is thrilled to present LunarFest Vancouver 2022. Several special activities are on offer to celebrate the Year of the Tiger, open and welcome to all.
On February 5 and 6, look for all kinds of LunarFest celebrations.
Registration is now open for free, virtual Mongolian Knucklebone Fortune Telling (Feb 5 and 6 from 1 to 5 pm) presented by BC Mongolians. Fortune-telling games are often played after the New Year’s meal. Knucklebone fortune telling is a tradition and superstition in Mongolian culture. While some people believe it and some don’t, everyone is welcome to try. Mongolians use animal bones to tell their fortunes, usually a sheep or goat’s wrist bones. The naturally uneven shape of the bones allow for many interpretations of fate. , the session is free.
Local artist Jeni Chen, a children’s book author and illustrator, will be telling the legend of the Great Race in an online arts and crafts workshop at on February 5. Once upon a time, all the animals of the kingdom participated in a great race. In the end, only 12 animals were chosen. Can you name them all in order? Create a unique card to welcome a prosperous new year.
Learn about the people of Hakka village of Taiwan’s Miaoli County in a free virtual workshop on February 5 with Raine Lin called Meowli: Leopard Cat in Miaoli. Lin hails from the Hakka village of Miaoli and was chairperson of the board of directors the Golden Village Leisure agricultural district in Miaoli for four years. During those years, she worked with local farmers using sustainable and environmentally friendly methods to improve the agricultural production of red dates and roselle. Miaoli also has the perfect habitat for leopard cats. How do the Hakka coexist with these wild cats? Let the leopard cat lead you straight to Miaoli County and deep into Hakka culture!
Colours of Mother Earth, taking place February 6 from 1 to 2:30 pm, is an online arts workshop led by Clarissa Banos. Inspired by the ever-transforming elements of nature, including fire, wind, earth, and water, as well as the many flora, fauna, and endangered species in the wild, this workshop will celebrate the powerful connection we all share with nature, both as individuals and as global communities. You can create a beautiful mixed-media artwork using items found within your own home at this workshop, perfect for families, kids, and artists of any skill level.
Clarissa Banos, Lemon Tree.
Experience how we can be Together, Stronger as a supportive community on February 6 as LunarFest virtually screens Emergence: Out of the Shadows, presented by Sher Vancouver: LGBTQ South Asians and Friends. A documentary featuring the candidly told and heart-wrenching stories of Kayden, Jag, and Amar as they express their sexuality within conservative South Asian families. Through their struggles between tradition, acceptance, and culture, this film asserts a potent and transformative voice in support of marginalized queer youth and their families. Producer, cast member, and founder of Sher Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society Alex and cast member Jaspal will be speaking at the screening.
Running until February 15 is West End Wishes, an installation at Cardero and Robson Streets. “Fulfilled”, “Fortune”, “Good” are three wishes around every dinner table during the Lunar New Year. It is a time of gathering with friends and family, and looking forward to a wonderful new year together. LunarFest and artist Lady Hao Hao also wish for a prosperous, safe, and wonderful year for everyone. West End Wishes is a collaboration with West End BIA and a place you can find good eats and make a wish for the new year.
There’s much more. See LunarFest Vancouver for complete program schedule.
Post sponsored by Asian-Canadian Special Events Association.