Controversy surrounds the upcoming Lunar New Year parade in Vancouver as two local groups claim they were rejected from participating. Chinatown Together and Vancouver Lunar New Year For All, both Vancouver-based organizations, received emails stating they had been denied participation and needed to provide documentation proving their status as registered non-profits. The rejection email from the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration Committee cited that 'political activism finds no place within the spirit of this event.' However, both groups deny any political motivations and express disappointment and frustration with the decision. The parade is scheduled to take place on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, crowds packed the narrow streets of Cheung Chau island for the annual Bun Festival. The festival, which takes place on Cheung Chau Island, features various traditions, including a parade of children in costume and make-up carried on poles. One of the main highlights of the festival is the bun tower climbing competition. Participants compete to climb a 14-meter tower decorated with around 9,000 plastic buns. The event is a significant part of the island's history, commemorating the community's recovery from a devastating plague centuries ago. The bun tower climbing competition attracts enthusiasts and spectators from around the world.
In the Philippines, a province near Taiwan finds itself caught in the rivalry between the US and mainland China. The province is at risk of becoming a 'pawn' in this geopolitical struggle. The article highlights the challenges faced by the province and the potential consequences of being caught in the middle of this power play.
In Toronto, the biggest Korean festival in Canada is set to take place from August 23rd to 25th at Mel Lastman Square in North York. The Toronto Korean Festival aims to showcase the best of K-culture, including K-Music, K-Dance, and K-Beauty. Last year, the festival attracted over 65,000 attendees and featured over 20 food and snack booths offering traditional Korean and fusion food, captivating performances, a colourful market, and fun-filled games. Signature programs such as singing & dancing competitions, the Chimek Pavilion, and the bibimbap Pavilion will make a return, alongside new attractions including a breakdancing team. The festival promises to be a celebration of Korean culture in Toronto.
Both the Vancouver Lunar New Year parade controversy, the Hong Kong Bun Festival, and the Toronto Korean Festival showcase the cultural significance of these events and the challenges they face in maintaining inclusivity and tradition. Additionally, the US-China rivalry in the Philippines adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape in the region.
In Winnipeg, the Canadian Human Rights Museum is hosting a ribbon garment-making workshop to promote cultural understanding on Canada Day. The workshop aims to show solidarity with Indigenous people and teach visitors the significance of Indigenous cultural clothing. The goal is to foster cultural understanding and reconciliation between Canada and Indigenous people. Participants will have the opportunity to make ribbon skirts, shirts, and pants to take home. The workshop will take place at the Stuart Clark Garden of Contemplation at the museum. The sākihiwē festival, which celebrates up-and-coming artists from Indigenous communities, also took place this weekend. The festival aims to showcase Indigenous excellence and does not participate in Canada Day celebrations. Indigenous creators at the festival expressed the need to change the way Canadians celebrate July 1 to better showcase Indigenous culture. The ribbon garment-making workshop at the Human Rights Museum is seen as a way to bridge the gap and promote understanding.
The Iranian Community of Manitoba celebrated Canada Day at St. Vital Park in Winnipeg while recognizing Women, Life, Freedom — a slogan used in protests in Iran following a young woman's death in police custody in 2022. The group also dedicated Sunday as a day of reflection and support for human rights.
Canada Day at The Forks on July 1, 2024, highlighted reconciliation efforts despite the rainy weather. The event featured musical performances and basketball competitions that were moved under the cover of the parking lot and the CN stage. The activities at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights focused on reconciliation and included the making of small versions of ribbon skirts, shirts, and pants. Marilyn Dykstra, a Knowledge Keeper at the museum, emphasized the importance of committing to a better future for Indigenous people. Other events in the city included live music and entertainment at Assiniboine Park and activities at Assiniboine Downs.
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