An annual gala celebrating the Chinese New Year and culture was held in Fredericton Saturday night.
The Chinese Cultural Association of New Brunswick celebrates the occasion with a showcase of song and dance at the Fredericton Playhouse.
Volunteers say the event has grown.
“Everyone is doing their best to build up our association and keep the culture going,” said volunteer Liz Zhang.
“Every year there are more people coming, saying ‘Hey, we want to be part of this,’ which is fantastic,” said volunteer Richard Du.
Young people are a large part of New Brunswick’s growing Chinese community, as well as the gala itself.
“I've been doing this since I was five,” said one girl. “It’s like my first dance experience.”
It's a chance for Chinese community to put their culture in the spotlight.
“My daughter was born in China and we've participated since she was six, and she's 12,” said volunteer Deb Nobes.
It's also as opportunity for the community at large to be part of celebrations they may not be as familiar with.
“We have Christmas, Easter – big traditions in North American culture – but we don't know much about Chinese New Year's,” said Nobes. “And man, do these people know how to do it right, so it's really a privilege to be part of it.”
“We kind of want to share the excitement and sense of community and the sense of everyone together, getting your family and friends together,” said Du.
Millions will mark the Year of the Monkey on Monday.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Nick Moore.
