Hundreds of people gathered outside of the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre on Sunday afternoon to welcome the Chinese New Year.
The celebration included dragon and lion dances, musical performances, food vendors and martial arts demonstrations.
“The Chinese calendar goes by the animal zodiac,” Ken Leong, Honan Shaolin Wushu Association president. “It’s the Year of the Monkey this year. It’s a year for money and prosperity.”
Leong participated in the dragon dance, a proud Shaolin tradition that has lasted for more than 60 generations that originated as a representation of China symbolizing the Chinese emperor.
“The dragon comes out traditionally at occasions like this, festivals, to bring good luck for the oncoming year.”
Monday is the first day of the 4714th Chinese year.
