This year, LunarFest Vancouver launched its annual celebration on Valentine’s Day with balmy weather and plenty of smiles. A full house of dignitaries, artists, and community members gathered at Ocean Artworks on Granville Island to hear speeches welcoming the Year of the Horse. In addition, the audience was able to watch live theatre by Taiwan’s Fooderlon Theatre, listen to a new Lunar New Year song by talented Canadian musicians, and marvel over Lunar Lanterns designed by local artists.
“What your art is doing for us is not only bringing us joy and beauty in a time when we all need it, but it’s also bringing culture,” Finance Minister Brenda Bailey said in a speech at the opening ceremony. “And of course, that is greatest strength.”
Bailey is also the NDP MLA for Vancouver–South Granville, which includes Granville Island. She brought greetings on behalf of Premier David Eby and all of her colleagues in the provincial government.
“The Year of the Horse brings a number of different things to mind: strength and resiliency and forward motion. Forward motion. Moving forward together,” the finance minister noted. “What a time we are in—and those are exactly the things we need. Moving together in forward motion in challenging times.”
LunarFest Vancouver advances interculturalism
Bailey wasn’t the only cabinet minister at the opening ceremony. Taiwan’s Minister of Overseas Community Affairs, Chia-ching Hsu, commented on her country’s participation in the Vancouver event. In addition to Fooderlon Theatre, this years Lunar New Year celebrations also includes a culinary workshop by Taichung restaurateur Josie Chang and an exhibition at the Pendulum Gallery by Taiwanese illustrator and graphic novelist Zhou Jian-xin.
“From performers in arts and the installation art to individual creations in the food culture, we will showcase the diverse, inclusive, and innovative spirit of Taiwanese society,” Hsu declared. “Through platforms like LunarFest, the voices of Taiwan are heard.”
She added that culture is not only about performance; it also promotes dialogue about values. The minister also pointed out that people from different ethnic groups can feel respect, understanding, and appreciation in this shared festive atmosphere.
B.C. Conservative MLA Hon Chan spoke about the importance of Lunar New Year for families. Granville Island general manager Tom Lancaster praised LunarFest Vancouver’s inclusive approach while thanking his staff for their hard work in making events like this possible.
Youths help create lanterns
Another speaker, Vancouver councillor Rebecca Bligh, talked about the importance of the arts in helping young people feel more connected to their culture and identity. She noted that this can help reduce crime, while also taking a few moments to praise the writing on the LunarFest Vancouver website.
LunarFest organizer Charlie Wu pointed out in his speech that the Eastside Arts Society’s Studio 101 program is one of the partners in the Lantern City initiative. Studio 101 created the Past to Future lantern beside Ocean Artworks with art from Britannia Elementary School students and graphic design by Vancouver-based illustrator Zihua Ye.
It’s part of The Lantern City’s Forever Young exhibition, which also includes lanterns designed by Vancouver artists Danvic Briones and Arty Guava. Arts Umbrella created another lantern in this exhibition with seniors from S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and Ray-Cam Cooperative in collaboration with Grades 4 and 5 students from Crosstown Elementary.
There are also free Lantern City exhibitions at the Pendulum Gallery, Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza, and šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square.
Ewan Mac directed the video (above) for “More Than Money 恭喜恭喜 我有你”.
New song for a New Year
Wu offered many other insights, emphasizing that the festival’s vision for Lunar New Year extends well beyond Taiwanese tradition. It encompasses many cultures, with lanterns designed by artists who trace their family roots back to many countries, including Iran, the Philippines, Malaysia, and India.
“Historically, the Fire Horse Year is about big changes and major shifts,” Wu explained. “The last time it was a Fire Horse year was 1966. Many major events happened that year—some great and some bad, including the Cultural Revolution in China.
“When we are prepared to move forward, it is also very important to reflect on the past and brave the wind ahead.”
He also introduced the Official Music Video for an original Lunar New Year song. “More Than Money 恭喜恭喜 我有你” is a collaboration between LunarFest and the Jade Music Fest. It brought together 12 Asian Canadian artists from Vancouver and Toronto, who sang in Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and English.
The songwriters were Caroline Ding, Chinyi C, Dennis Law, Dr. Holic, Eunice Keitan, James Tseng, Jacq Teh, Kristin Fung, Shinlok, Sunny Daydream, Tony Choi, and Violet Ziyi Grace. Law and Keitan were the recording engineers, and Law was the mixing engineer and producer. Ewan Mac directed the video and Lady Hao Hao provided graphic design.
LunarFest Vancouver events will continue at Ocean Artworks on Granville Island throughout the Family Day long weekend and on February 21 and 22. The lanterns will remain on display outside Ocean Artworks until November 8.
Below, you can see more photos from the festival’s opening day.
The LunarFest Vancouver, The Lantern City, and LNY Splash websites include more information about Lunar New Year events, film screenings, art exhibitions.
