Want to celebrate the Lunar New Year, but don’t know where to start? Here are a few events in and around the Greater Montreal area to usher in the Year of the Fire Horse, which starts on Feb. 17: Montreal’s Chinatown celebrates Montreal’s Chinatown is preparing a variety of events, including performances, workshops and art installations. Make sure not to miss the traditional lion dance (11 a.m. on Saturday, with blessings at 11 a.m. on Sunday). “It highlights Asian traditions while energizing Chinatown during the winter season,” the event’s organizers share. Some other notable events include calligraphy and diabolo workshops, street magic and a KPop flash mob (3 p.m. on Saturday). Lunar New Year at DIX30 Luck and renewal are in the cards for Lunar New Year celebrations at the Quartier Dix30 in Brossard on Montreal’s South Shore. In addition to a wishing tree and traditional dances, the occasion boasts children’s animation and tasting events. Grace meets power at Eaton Centre Let yourself be transported into the world of a young woman from another era, her story told through song and traditional sword dances culminating in a spectacular martial battle between two heroines. “Discover the richness of Chinese art and let yourself be seduced by its timeless charm,” say the organizers. It’s just one of many events planned at the Eaton Centre to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Legends of Ancient China in Varennes Accompanied by virtuoso Guzheng musician Xiao Chen, Beijing-born storyteller Aurore Liang invites audiences, young and old, to an immersive and captivating trip through ancient China. A lucky time at Royalmount Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Royalmount with traditional dances and a live artistic creation by Maylee Keo. “The experience invites visitors to slow down, observe and share,” organizers say. Magic of Peking Opera Experience the Peking Opera, China’s most iconic traditional theatre, which combines singing, dancing, recitation, acrobatics and martial arts. An event that promises to be an immersive experience for all, participants are invited to attempt basic techniques while learning more about the ancient art. Year of the Horse at Mail Champlain Celebrating a year of “passion, strength, enthusiasm, movement and action,” the festivities begin with a lion dance at 12 p.m., followed by an official ceremony and traditional dances. Participants can admire a fire horse-themed floral artwork, depicting “a golden horse silhouette surrounded by oversized red flowers. Silk ribbons symbolizing movement, change and power will complement this entirely handmade creation.”
