Regina Public Library helps ring in Lunar New Year

Regina's Chinese community rang in the Lunar New Year at the Regina Public Library Central Branch on Sunday. (Hallee Mandryk/CTV News)

The year of the snake is here and the Lunar New Year was rung in at the Regina Public Library Central Branch on Sunday.

“The people say farewell to the old year, and they say farewell to the misfortunes and will come down [to] hope [for] good wishes for the future,” Yazhen Liao, executive director of the Wascana Women and Children’s Centre explained.

“So, we have many kinds of traditional activities in this festival.”

Over 500 people gathered to celebrate with music, food, crafts, and many performances showcasing the talent within Regina’s Chinese community.

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Liao explained that this time of year is a very important time within the community.

“The Chinese in Canada may be far from their hometown. So, in [the] Chinese community, we hope in this important day we can gather together and celebration these [festivities] together,” she explained.

It was a busy and bustling time in the library, a particular highlight for many was the lion dance, which is traditionally performed on Lunar New Year.

The ‘lion’ danced around the library to kick off the festivities and bring good fortune in the new year.

“We also clean the house, all this activity, show the best way to for the new year,” Liao added.

“It’s a time the family gather together, we share, and we share this festival and celebrating.”