Da Vinci Centre hosts 2025 Chinese New Year celebration

Thunder Bay - The Thunder Bay Canadian Chinese Association launched its 2025 Chinese New Year celebration at the Da Vinci Centre on Saturday.

More than 200 residents gathered to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

Peng You, president of the Thunder Bay Canadian Chinese Association, said that in the years before the pandemic, the annual event would typically sell out, but since it couldn't be held during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are "now starting over again."

Last year, after tickets sold out at the Delta Hotel, the association moved back to its traditional home at the Da Vinci Centre.

"We've been here for a long time. So we will hold this event here again and again, and more and more people will join us to have fun," You said.

He explained that the celebration is a major community event the association has been holding for over 40 years.

"This year's Year of the Snake actually begins on January 29. We celebrate the New Year here so we can carry on the tradition and bring the community together," Mr. You said.

You said it's also part of being part of the community: sharing their culture, bringing people together to celebrate and "bring positive energy."

"That's what Thunder Bay is all about. That's why we keep doing this. It's called being a good part of our community and also bringing good luck to our community," You said.

He said that as a family gathering event similar to Christmas, the traditional lion dance during the New Year is sure to bring good luck and ward off evil.

He said another very important part of the celebration is the food.

"We bring some very traditional food. For example, tonight we have roast duck, special chicken, and handmade dumplings. All of these symbolize good luck, health, and wealth. That's why we say 'Happy New Year,' 'Gong Xi Fa Cai,' wishing you wealth. So, it's all about good luck," You said.

You added that life means health, friendship, happiness, and lots of fun, and they try to achieve that in their celebrations, especially in Thunder Bay.

"We are a bit isolated from big cities. But, we have very diverse cultures in every corner. That's why we are part of this community, we bring positive energy to celebrate special moments, enjoy special food, and feel happy," You said.

He said the message that "life should be positive" is very important.

"We are always looking forward to what? Looking forward to a better life, so it's an encouragement. If we as individuals become very negative and don't have more energy, Thunder Bay won't achieve anything, and our country won't achieve anything," You said.

You said they hope this moment brings a lot of positive energy to the community.

Source: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/da-vinci-centre-hosts-2025-chinese-new-year-celebration-10170876