Rams, monkeys, and roosters, oh my! It must be Chinese New Year’s Eve or the Spring Festival as it’s also known. More than 1,500 people celebrated at the Vancouver Bodhi Meditation Centre to welcome the year of the rooster) on Friday, January 27, 2017.
The festive event, open to everyone, began in the afternoon with a Zen Tea House, face-painting, a photo booth, calligraphy, crepes and snack food, and much more.
Lotus Flower 
Chinese Crepe 
Food 
Rows of long tables were laden with a vegetarian buffet for all to enjoy.
The entertainment portion of the evening got off to a roaring start with a colourful and energetic Lion Dance and Dragon Dance.
The Honourable Teresa Wat MLA, Minister of Multiculturalism, and Richmond dignitaries Mayor Malcolm Brodie and city councillor Bill McNulty, who played the role of the God of Wealth (for a prosperous year), offered words of welcome to Bodhi’s friends, family and newcomers. The Mayor picked a lucky winner in the draw. The prize? A Samsung tablet.
The event was multicultural as traditional Chinese dance and musical entertainment intertwined with Indian dance, Persian dance, line dancing, and a Korean flute player.
Dancing Roosters 
Taichi Performance 
Persian Dance
Participants and guests were blessed with happiness and good fortune, and the Centre affirmed its commitment to help all sentient beings find health and happiness in the upcoming year.
Right: Mayor Malcolm Brodie