What to know
- Scarborough Town Centre is showcasing its annual Lunar New Year celebration this weekend.
- Those of East Asian descent emphasize the importance of keeping tradition alive, while others showed appreciation and support for a culture other than their own.
- Celebrations continue at STC tomorrow, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m.
Lunar New Year celebrations are kicking off across the city, with Scarborough Town Centre being the one of the first to usher in the Year of the Fire Horse.
Traditionally, Lunar New Year (LNY) celebrations span across 15-16 days, starting from New Moon to the Full Moon. This year, that begins on Feb. 17 and includes getting together with friends and family, exchanging red envelopes with money, lion and dragon dances, fireworks, and the Lantern Festival that marks the end of LNY.
This year, Year of the Horse is particularly meaningful as it celebrates the Fire Horse, which comes around every 60 years. With the Horse sign already aligned with the fire element, 2026 is believed to be a ‘Double Fire’ event, bringing an intensely transformative year for those born in 1966 and 2026.
“Speed, momentum, strength. Let us work together and accomplish our goals together, making life more affordable, safer, and celebrate the Lunar New Year with family and loved ones,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow tells Now Toronto.
Scarborough Town Centre offers LNY festivities for the fourth year
The Scarborough Town Centre (STC) has been putting together LNY celebrations in its Centre Court since 2023. This year, hundreds gathered to enjoy the spectacle which runs through till Feb. 8.
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Karen Calibuso, marketing manager at Oxford Properties Group for STC, says preparations begin months in advance.
“It’s a lot of hard work and effort put into it – from planning the initial design to the performances,” Calibuso tells Now Toronto.
“Scarborough is such a diverse community, we love to celebrate all of the people that live here. [STC] is a community hub, so it’s a gathering space not just a shopping centre. It’s a place for people to come and enjoy themselves and be with each other’s presence.”
Asians and non-Asians alike gathered at STC to celebrate Lunar New Year
Among those in attendance on Saturday were not only those who celebrate LNY but also those who were there to show support and appreciation for a culture other than their own.
“I think it’s good that we get a lot of exposure from other cultures and learn the positive things of what other cultures have to offer us,” Justin, who attended Saturday’s event to support a friend who was part of the lion dance troop, tells Now Toronto.
For Haira, it was her second year coming to STC for LNY with her 4-year-old daughter, Eva.
“It shows multiculturalism. … [Eva] wants to know more about these shows, and she’s very interested in seeing all the colourful dances.”
Several dozen performers took part in the five different acts delivered as part of the celebrations, including lion and dragon dances curated by members of the Dragon Lion Dance Association of Ontario (DLDAO).
“A lot of people don’t realize that the foundation of lion dancing comes from martial arts. So, you have to have good, strong legs and arms,” Charles Chang, a board member of DLDAO, tells Now Toronto.
While DLDAO welcomes members from all ethnicities and sharing the Chinese culture to others is very important, Chang says it’s “an honour” to teach Chinese athletes in particular.
“As an instructor, it’s really important to pass down these traditions to the next generation so it doesn’t get lost,” he says.
There were also many in the audience who brought their kids along in hopes to keep their connection to their culture alive, including Lei with her 7-year-old daughter, Emma, and Susie, with her 18-month-old son, Lucas.
“It’s very important to let [Emma] know about her background,” Lei tells Now Toronto.
“Coming to these events can make her feel more connected to her culture and increase her cultural awareness.”
“Today is my first year with my son, because I want to teach him about Lunar New Year” she tells Now Toronto.
“I think it’s important that we know our roots. I’m very proud to be Chinese and I want my son to know about our heritage, our customs, and cultures.”
Performances will take place at STC’s Center Court again on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m.
