Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 2, 2025, as Ottawa Chinatown hosts its grand Lunar New Year Parade from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This year, we’re taking the festivities to the next level with an official street closure along Somerset Street West, from Bronson Avenue to Bell Street North, creating an immersive and joyous celebration for all!

The 2025 parade commemorates the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, adaptability, and transformation in Chinese culture. Visitors will be captivated by an array of vibrant performances that blend cherished traditions with contemporary flair, showcasing the cultural richness of Ottawa’s diverse community.

The iconic Lion and Dragon Dances will once again dazzle the crowd, filling the streets with their dynamic energy and colorful grandeur. The rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals will guide the procession, creating a lively atmosphere that echoes the spirit of the Lunar New Year.

New this year, the closed street will allow parade-goers to fully immerse themselves in the festivities. The route will feature designated stops for performances, interactive blessings, and moments of cultural exchange, ensuring everyone gets a close-up view of the excitement.

The program includes not only the parade itself but also a New Year Blessing Ceremony, where dignitaries, community leaders, and guests will gather to offer good wishes for health, prosperity, and happiness in the year ahead. Traditional red envelopes (红包), symbols of luck and fortune, will be distributed along the parade route, fostering connections between performers and attendees.

Beginning at the grand Chinatown Gateway, the parade will weave its way through Somerset Street West, making its way towards Bell Street North. Along the route, expect lively cultural displays, including Yangko dancers, waist drum performances, and much more.

This year’s parade is a testament to Ottawa Chinatown’s commitment to reviving traditions, embracing innovation, and creating an inclusive celebration that welcomes all. Join us for a day filled with unity, joy, and cultural pride as we celebrate the Year of the Snake in grand style on the closed streets of Chinatown.

Don’t miss this unforgettable event—where tradition meets community and the future is celebrated with hope and harmony!

Program Highlights:

• Street Closure: 12:00-16:00 between Bronson Ave. and Bell St. N.

• 12:55 PM: Guest Arrival

• 1:00 PM: Lion and Dragon Dances to Welcome the New Year

• 1:10 PM: Speeches by Distinguished Guests

• 1:30 PM: New Year Blessing Ceremony

• 1:45 PM: Cultural Performances and Parade

• 3:00 PM: God of Fortune Blessings visiting Chinatown businesses