Nanaimo Chinese Society Celebrates Lunar New Year with Horse Year Gala
The Nanaimo Chinese Cultural Society is set to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a festive gala, welcoming the Year of the Horse. This event will take place at the Beban Park Social Centre on February 14, 2026, starting at 5 p.m. The Horse, symbolizing confidence and responsibility, is associated with the fire element this year, indicating a period of vibrant energy.
Lunar New Year Gala Highlights
Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is a significant celebration not only in China but also in various Asian communities, including Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. The celebration lasts for two weeks and is centered around gatherings involving delicious feasts and joyous festivities.
Event Features
This year’s gala promises an array of entertainment, including:
- Lion dancers
- Performances from the Victoria Chinese Opera Club
- Chinese Bian Lian (face-changing) showcases
- An Asian-style buffet offered by Hong Kong House
- A 50/50 draw and silent auction
According to Jerry Hong, chairperson of the Nanaimo Chinese Cultural Society, this gala is one of their oldest traditions and consistently sells out. The society aims to diversify the entertainment each year. This time, attendees can expect a unique face-changing performance, which involves rapid mask changes to convey different emotions.
Future Plans for Lunar New Year Celebrations
The society is considering expanding its celebrations for the 2027 Lunar New Year into downtown Nanaimo. Following the success of the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2025, which attracted approximately 10,000 attendees, the society believes an outdoor event would be equally successful.
Plans include staging the main festivities at Diana Krall Plaza, with participation from the Nanaimo Museum and performances at the Port Theatre. Hong expressed a desire to keep the event accessible, stating, “We want to expose the culture and festivities as much as we can to the public, free.”
Event Attendance and Tickets
The community is cordially invited to the Lunar New Year Gala at the Beban Park Social Centre. Tickets can be purchased through the Port Theatre’s website. For more information, please visit Filmogaz.com.
