The colourful parade kicks off at the Millennium Gate in Chinatown at 11 a.m. on Feb. 22, then continues along East Pender and Gore streets, and ends at the intersection of Keefer and Carrall streets, according to the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver.

In total, the parade covers 1.3 kilometers and takes roughly three hours to complete. Peak attendance for the event has reached 200,000 in previous years.

Parade participants include "representatives from all three levels of the Canadian government, military and police contingents, diplomats from China and various countries, as well as community groups, Scouts, military bands, lion dance troupes, dragon dance teams, cultural and artistic dance groups, and more."

In 2026, the world transitions out of the Year of the Snake into the Year of the Horse. The horse represents "vitality, speed, freedom, and success" in Chinese culture, and its year is "regarded as one of the most dynamic and energetic among the 12 zodiac signs." People should expect breakthroughs and new opportunities, with the zodiac "carrying the auspicious meaning of swift success," explained Helen Qian, director of the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration and president of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver, in a press conference.

Beside that, the Lunar New Year Gala Dinner welcomes around 1,000 guests to the former Floata Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown for the “Opening of the Year Banquet” at 6 p.m. The evening will feature lion dances, New Year greetings, the God of Wealth distributing red envelopes, singing and dance performances, and a festive banquet.

According to vancouverisawesome.com