Pacific Mall’s spectacular Lunar New Year celebration rings in Year of the Snake
Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:42:16 +0000
Pacific Mall’s annual Lunar New Year celebration wrapped up with a bang, welcoming nearly 80,000 visitors over two weekends of cultural performances, interactive experiences and festive shopping. The event, presented by Real Canadian Superstore and Loblaws, marked the Year of the Snake with a blend of tradition and modern festivities.
The celebrations kicked off on Feb. 1 with a grand opening ceremony at the mall’s centre stage. Local government officials, media representatives and members of the Pacific Mall Board of Directors attended, taking part in traditional rituals such as the eye-dotting and green-picking ceremonies—meant to bring good fortune for the year ahead.
A cultural feast for the senses
Pacific Mall transformed into a Lunar New Year wonderland with the “Golden Snake Welcomes the New Year” theme. The event featured cultural performances, including lion and drum dances, live calligraphy, traditional Chinese dance, martial arts and even zodiac forecasts for the Year of the Snake.
A special treat for attendees this year was an interactive exhibit by Reptilia, a Toronto-based indoor reptile zoo. Visitors got up close with the “fortune snake” (symbolizing luck and prosperity), the “spirit turtle” (representing wisdom and longevity) and the stone dragon lizard (believed to ward off evil). The hands-on experience delighted guests of all ages, adding an educational element to the festivities.
The Lunar New Year Marketplace, which opened Jan. 17, gave shoppers the chance to browse festive delicacies, elegant Qipao and Tang-style clothing, traditional Chinese calligraphy art and decorative items. Pacific Mall’s 300-plus stores also got into the festive spirit, with exclusive deals and promotions throughout the event period.
Lucky shoppers who spent $88 or more during the event took home a limited-edition Lunar New Year Fortune Bag—believed to bring wealth and prosperity in the coming year. The mall’s north and south entrances were adorned with Lunar New Year decorations, along with interactive photo zones where visitors captured and shared their festive moments.
A star-studded lineup
This year’s event was hosted by notable personalities, including Simon Lau from Sing Tao A1 Chinese Radio, Grace Lin from OMNI Television, and Dr. Yuebin Guo, a University of Toronto lecturer. The emcees led interactive sessions, conducted lucky draw giveaways and provided insight into the cultural significance of the celebrations.
The event’s success was made possible by a team of nearly 300 cast and crew members and the support of numerous sponsors. Title sponsors included Real Canadian Superstore and Loblaws, with additional backing from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation(OLG), LEGO, LingoAce and Wukong Chinese, among others.
Pacific Mall, one of North America’s largest Asian shopping centres, remains open year-round with more than 350 stores, two food courts and ample parking. The mall continues to be a cultural hub, bringing together communities to celebrate traditions in a vibrant and inclusive setting.
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