Hundreds of people crowded into Victoria’s Chinatown on Sunday, despite the windy and chilly weather, to celebrate the beginning of the Lunar New Year.
Music, martial arts demonstrations and dancing welcomed the arrival of the Year of the Dog.
The highlight for many spectators was the lion dance, where athletic performers in pairs wear colourful elaborate stylized lion costumes. Their dance recalls the movements of lions and is meant to bring good luck.
The new year began on Friday, Feb. 16. Celebrations often stretch across two weeks.
