Vancouver to Celebrate Year of the Horse at 52nd Annual Chinatown Spring Festival Parade

Communities across Vancouver are preparing to welcome the Lunar New Year with colourful festivities, cultural performances and community gatherings as the city ushers in the Year of the Horse. One of the biggest highlights of the season is the 52nd Annual Chinatown Spring Festival Parade, set to take place on February 22, 2026, in the heart of the city’s historic Chinatown.

The annual parade is among the most anticipated Lunar New Year celebrations in Vancouver, drawing residents and visitors from across the region. Lunar New Year is widely celebrated by diverse cultural communities throughout the city, and the Chinatown Spring Festival Parade remains one of the signature events marking the occasion.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said the celebration is a meaningful time for the city to honour its traditions and communities.

“As our city comes together to celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse, we honour the traditions and communities that make this season so meaningful across Vancouver,” Sim said. “The Chinatown Spring Festival Parade is a cherished tradition that reflects the neighbourhood’s history, cultural leadership and community spirit, and I encourage everyone to experience the joy and connection it brings.”

The parade is also seen as an important contributor to Chinatown’s cultural vibrancy and economic vitality. In June 2024, Vancouver City Council approved the Chinatown Cultural District Framework, a strategic plan guiding the City’s ongoing efforts to support revitalization, economic growth and community development in the historic neighbourhood.

Parade details and route

The parade will begin at 11am on Sunday, February 22, and is expected to last approximately three hours. Festivities will start at the Millennium Gate at the intersection of West Pender Street and Taylor Street. From there, the procession will move along East Pender Street, continue to Gore Street, and conclude at the intersection of Keefer Street and Carrall Street. The full route spans approximately 1.3 kilometres.

Spectators can expect traditional lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, marching groups and vibrant displays celebrating the Year of the Horse.

Getting to the event

Organizers are encouraging attendees to walk, bike, roll or take public transit whenever possible to help ease congestion. Visitors are also advised to stay informed about road closures and plan their travel accordingly.

Residents and guests are reminded to dispose of waste responsibly using designated garbage, recycling and organics bins. Additional waste bins will be placed throughout the event area. Attendees are also asked to be considerate of neighbourhood residents and keep noise levels to a minimum when leaving.

Public safety remains a top priority. The City is working closely with partners including the Vancouver Police Department and Vancouver Fire Rescue Services to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Traffic impacts

To accommodate the parade, road closures will be in effect between 8am and 5pm on February 22 on sections of several streets, including Main Street, East and West Pender Street, Beatty Street, Abbott Street, Taylor Street, Shanghai Alley, Columbia Street, Quebec Street, Carrall Street, Keefer Street, Keefer Place, Gore Avenue and East Georgia Street.

Alleys within the parade area will also be closed, including access to private parkades. Residents of Taylor Street and Shanghai Alley will have westbound vehicular access via Keefer Place.

With vibrant performances, cultural pride and strong community spirit, the 52nd Annual Chinatown Spring Festival Parade promises to be a memorable celebration welcoming the Year of the Horse in Vancouver.

Source: vancouver.ca