Many Asian communities across Vancouver will honour the start of the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Dragon with vibrant festivities and cultural traditions. For those looking to celebrate, the 50th Anniversary of the Chinatown Spring Festival Parade is taking place in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown neighbourhood.
“Lunar New Year holds significant importance for many Vancouver residents and brings an undeniable sense of pride to our community. This celebration isn’t just about honouring cherished traditions; it’s about bringing people together and enriching our shared cultural heritage,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “I invite everyone to explore Chinatown this weekend, actively engage in the festivities, and support our local businesses.”
While at the parade, attendees are encouraged to walk throughout the historic neighbourhood, and visit the newly refurbished Millenium Gate and neon dragon signs.
In January 2023, City Council unanimously approved the Uplifting Chinatown Action Plan, designed to provide Chinatown with enhanced cleaning and sanitation services, graffiti removal, beautification, and additional community supports. Over the last year, the City’s efforts to help revitalize this historic neighbourhood include:
- Providing enhanced daytime street cleaning and additional micro-cleaning.
- Administering grants for increased graffiti removal on private property.
- Installing 15 additional larger-capacity public waste bins throughout the neighbourhood.
- Launching monthly volunteer and organization-led litter cleanup events through the City’s Neighbourhood Cleanup Party program.
- Implementing $2 an hour flat rate street parking at all metred spots in Chinatown.
Plan ahead to attend the parade
To help ensure the parade operate as smoothly as possible, attendees are encouraged to:
- Walk, bike, roll, or take transit whenever possible.
- Stay ahead of road closures.
- Don’t let waste become litter: put waste in its place in the nearest garbage, recycling or organics bin. Additional temporary waste bins will be added for the events.
- Be considerate of the neighbourhood and keep noise to a minimum when leaving.
Parade route
The parade begins at 11 am on February 11, 2024.
The 1.3 km route starts at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street (between Shanghai Alley and Taylor Street), proceeds east along Pender Street, turns south onto Gore Street, turns west onto Keefer Street and then ends on Keefer at Abbott.
Traffic impacts
To accommodate the parade, road closures will be in effect on Sunday February 11, 2024 between 6 am to 4 pm on sections of the following streets:
- Main Street
- Pender Street (East and West)
- Beatty Street
- Abbott Street
- Taylor Street
- Shanghai Alley
- Columbia Street
- Quebec Street
- Carrall Street
- Keefer Street and Keefer Place
- East Georgia Street
- Gore Avenue
- Alleys in the parade area will be closed, including access to private parkades. Residents of Taylor Street and Shanghai Alley will have vehicular access to Keefer Place, westbound only.
For more information on the Chinatown Spring Festival Parade, visit the event organizers website.
Additional Road Closures
First Half presented by Blue Shore Financial will also take place on Sunday, February 11 beginning at 8:30 am. To accommodate set-up, Drake Street will be closed from Pacific Boulevard to Marinaside Crescent beginning at 9 am on Saturday, February 10 until 12:30 pm on Sunday, February 11. Further traffic and parking restrictions will be in place on Sunday, February 11, beginning at 5 am. More information and traffic impacts here.
Resources
If you are travelling in and around the event areas, plan ahead and expect delays:
- Follow all detours and abide by no parking signs in the area.
- Learn more about road closures across the city.
- Follow #VanTraffic or use our traffic cameras to check traffic conditions along your commute.
- Visit translink.ca/alerts for changes or disruptions to your bus service.
