Winnipeg’s Chinatown rings in Lunar New Year in person for first time since pandemic – Winnipeg | 24CA News

Winnipeg’s Chinatown is ringing within the Lunar New Year and celebrations are again in individual for the primary time because the pandemic, making the day far more particular.

And one of many celebrations being introduced again is the Chinese lion dance, which is claimed to scare away evil spirits and convey good luck and prosperity to the New Year.

Flying Lion Dance Troupe introduced smiles at a Chinatown grocery store Sunday morning, the place they stopped by retailers and showered them with lettuce, signifying wealth and prosperity.

“It’s great to really see the reactions of the audience,” mentioned Bernard Phanthavong, Flying Lion Dance Troupe President.

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Lunar New Year occasions in Winnipeg

Additionally, a desk with burning incense and filled with meals, from roast pork to sesame balls, was laid out to pay respects to ancestors.

“We do show respect to our ancestors. So we do offer different fruits or foods as well as a beverage to the ancestors,” mentioned Phanthavong.

“A big part is really family gathering. So food is a huge part. So sharing of different foods and whatnot.”

And simply over a block away, folks lined as much as get a desk inside a crowded Kum Koon Garden to feast on Dim Sum, a meal of small plates together with dumplings.

And for proprietor Geoffrey Young, who’s been working the restaurant for greater than 40 years, the New Year celebrations convey optimism after a tricky few years.

“Today is a special day. They all like to come together with the family.”

This 12 months is the Year of the Rabbit, which is claimed to imply a peaceable 12 months.

“A year of lots of energetic, and I hope this will be a year of health, good health,” Young mentioned.

— With recordsdata from Global’s Rosanna Hempel

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Celebrating Lunar New Year in Winnipeg

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