Event Recap: A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Inclusivity at the Lunar New Year Market 2025

With crisp and sunny weather on our side, UBC Botanical Garden hosted its third annual Lunar New Year Market on January 25 and 26 2025, marking the Year of the Wood Snake in a bigger, and brighter way. The event successfully brought together visitors, vendors, and performers from all backgrounds to celebrate this important tradition, fostering cultural appreciation, a sense of belonging, and a deeper connection to the Asian Garden. 

UBC Botanical Garden was proud to provide a space where locals could come together—not just to enjoy the festivities but to experience the richness of Lunar New Year traditions. 

 

Bridging Cultures Through Shared Traditions 

For many, growing up or living in a different country can feel isolating, especially during important cultural celebrations. Seeing familiar traditions and customs reflected in the community can be a source of comfort, connection, and joy. The Lunar New Year Market provided an immersive and educational experience where visitors could engage with customs that hold deep cultural significance.  

Stealing the Spotlight: The Lion Dance 

Probably the most captivating and highly anticipated performance of the event was the traditional lion dance that filled the space with energy and excitement. More than just an acrobatic spectacle, the lion dance is a traditional Chinese performance, often seen during Chinese New Year celebrations, meant to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.  

A key highlight was the 採青“(cǎi qīng or coi2 cing1) or “plucking the greens” ritual, where the lion skillfully retrieved a head of lettuce—a symbol of wealth and abundance—before tossing it into the crowd to spread prosperity and good luck. It was followed by the presentation of a red envelope (lei6 si6 or hóng bāo) a token of gratitude and a traditional gesture to attract good fortune for the year ahead. 

 

UBC Botanical Garden, Connecting the Community to the Asian Garden 

This year, UBC Botanical Garden wanted to do more than just celebrate; it aimed to create a deeper sense of cultural understanding and promote racial equity and inclusivity within the community. The event featured trilingual storytelling sessions, where traditional folktales were shared in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. The event also had self-guided tours of the Asian Garden, allowing visitors to learn about snake bark maples, tea plants, and traditional Chinese paintings inspired by Asian plants. Through the event, UBC Botanical Garden was able to provide a welcoming space for those who wish to learn more about how Lunar New Year is celebrated, as well as offering international students and families the opportunity to experience the warmth and joy of Lunar New Year, even if they couldn’t be with their families back home. 

With over 5,000 attendees, doubling from last year’s number, this year’s market was not only a testament to the growing appreciation for cultural diversity but also a step forward in creating a more inclusive UBC campus and community.  

Dr. Mark MacLachlan, captured the spirit of the event, stating, “As Dean pro tem of the Faculty of Science, I see firsthand how science helps us understand the world—but events like Lunar New Year remind us that culture and tradition also shape our connection to nature and community. UBC Botanical Garden provides a perfect setting to celebrate this intersection of knowledge and heritage.”  

 

 

For Ariel Yu, the event’s dedicated organizer, this vision has been at the heart of the Lunar New Year Market since its inception. “I think about the students who aren’t able to celebrate with their families, or the international students and families who might not have a place to gather. My goal has always been to make this special tradition accessible to all.” 

Watch some of our event’s media coverage:
Omni, Fairchild and CBC (24:16), CBC on the Coast

Celebrating another successful Lunar New Year Market 

The Lunar New Year Market at UBC Botanical Garden was a joyful and meaningful celebration of culture, community, and creativity. From handcrafted goods and traditional foods to engaging performances, the event served as a space where heritage could be honoured, new connections could be made, and traditions could be shared with a wider audience. 

This event wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible volunteers, performers, and staff who worked tirelessly to bring the event to life. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped create such a memorable experience! We’re excited to welcome you again next year as we keep growing and enriching this cultural celebration. 

Written by Jen Chang
Marketing and Communications Manager at UBC Botanical Garden