Chinese New Year isn’t until Feb. 10, but you can get an early start on celebrations this weekend with two events that welcome the Year of the Snake.
Victoria Chinese New Year Gala
On Saturday night, the Victoria Chinese Community Association and Victoria Chinese Students and Scholars Association will host a Chinese New Year Gala with modern and traditional dancing, music, singing, comedy and drama.
The event features performances by B.C.’s Chinese community artists, Ocean Rain Chinese Arts Academy, China Happy Drum Team and many more.
Tickets are $10. Buying them in advance is recommended, as seating is reserved. The gala starts at 7 p.m. Saturday at University Centre Farquhar Auditorium at the University of Victoria. Tickets are available at UVic Ticket Centre: 250-721-8480, online at tickets.uvic.ca or in person at the University Centre.
A Harmonious Celebration
The Victoria Conservatory of Music is hosting a free concert Sunday afternoon to welcome the Chinese New Year. The event will showcase the talents of various arts groups within the community as well as members of the conservatory’s faculty and students.
“This free concert is our opportunity to give back to the community,” said Linda Low, spokeswoman for the Victoria Conservatory of Music. “This is the second year we have put it on. We expect a repeat of last year, when we filled all 800 seats at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall.”
One of the highlights of the afternoon performance is a Chinese lion dance performed by members of the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club. They will also show off dynamic martial arts moves to live rhythmic instrumental music.
Also appearing on stage are the Victoria Chinese Culture Club Dancers and the Victoria Good News Choir, directed by Louise Rose. The Victoria Chinese Lions Club will present a fashion show consisting of many ornate Chinese gowns.
Refreshments will be served following the concert.
Admission is free. The one-hour concert starts at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Alix Goolden Hall, 907 Pandora Ave. For more information, go to vcm.bc.ca.
• The Year of the Snake officially begins Sunday, Feb. 10. On that day, the Canadian Chinese Benevolent Association will host a New Year’s celebration in Victoria’s Chinatown.
People are invited to watch a lion dance, a kung-fu demonstration and a mini parade on Fisgard Street, between Government and Wharf Streets. Festivities start at noon.
For more information, go to vcca.ca