Backpacker Buzz

It’s the year of the Tiger – I went to have a look and listen down in Vancouver's China Town…

So….. 2010 in the standard (Gregorian) calendar is actually 4707 in the Chinese calendar…. As most of us know they symbolize their years and for 4707 it is the year of the TIGER!

I went down to China town early on Sunday morning to take a look at the goings on and it was a very loud and very bright affair to say the least! The parade lasted over an hour as troupes walked past representing provinces, companies, clubs and various other groups. There were plenty of people in Tiger outfits and cuddly toys being held aloft.

Naturally there were also lots of Chinese dancing dragons being skillfully thrown around and many, many, many deafening drums and gongs being beaten along the way… some very rhythmically, some simply with great gusto!

The loudest tradition for the parades are of course fire-crackers… shed loads of them and at times the smoke obscured the performers and the smell of gunpowder filled the air!

Dancers of all ages with flags, ribbons and balloons passed on by with big smiles, buckets of celebratory cheer and great of appreciation from the massive crowd that was assembled along the street.

It was great to be there, and there was even the occasional surreal moment…. My favourite was when a secondary school band came on by, all decked out with what appeared to be Viking style helmets and all the while playing a very brass orientated version of the Rolling Stones Paint it Black!!

What a great way to start a Sunday!!! If you ever get the chance to watch a Chinese parade I highly recommend it…

HB