Montreal's Chinatown hosts a spectacular New Year's Eve party and parade

As the Year of the Dragon approaches, Montreal's Chinatown is gearing up for a spectacle filled with tradition, community, and yes, dragons and lions dancing in the streets.

From February 9-11, the district will be transformed into an interactive gallery of art installations, food and performances around Sun Yat-Sen Park and the local cultural center.

Unlike the fixed New Year's date of the Gregorian calendar, the Lunar New Year varies with the phases of the moon. Based on Asian cultures, it marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle and the transition to a new zodiac sign, with 2024 being the Year of the Dragon – a symbol associated with luck, strength and power.

On February 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Lunar New Year Parade will feature rhythmic dances in the streets to the sound of drums and cymbals. Spectators can also look forward to a colorful parade of fancy dress performers and community groups joining the festivities.

In addition to the parade, New Year's celebrations include:

• Live Performances: A series of cultural events throughout the weekend with traditional music, dance and art performances.
• Art installations: Wishing Tree in Sun Yat-Sen Park, etc. organizers say. There will also be plenty of Chinese lanterns to illuminate the area.
• Fine dining: Restaurants in Chinatown offer special menus that focus on foods with symbolic meaning for the holiday.

So, if you're looking for a fun Friday night to kick off your weekend, followed by two days of partying, Chinatown has you covered. Happy new year!