Edmonton, Calgary festivities mark Chinese New Year

The Chinese community across Alberta rang in the New Year on Sunday, marking the Lunar New Year and welcoming the Year of the Tiger.

Some streets in Edmonton were temporarily closed when hundreds came out to enjoy lion dances and firecrackers in the Chinese New Year Parade along 97th Street.

Ken Too and his family joined the crowd, declaring the festivities "pretty amazing."

"We've never come downtown [but] it's been relatively warm, so we decided to come out," Too said. "We get together with the family Mom and Dad are in town so we have a nice big meal."

In Calgary, the big celebration was at the Chinese Cultural centre in the heart of Chinatown where the festivities featured traditional music, dance, martial arts demonstrations and dragon dances.

Kiet Ong, his wife and their two-year-old boy were among those attending, saying the celebration is something to look forward to each year, especially because of his son's heritage.

"He has a Spanish side and a Chinese side and I want him to explore all sides, and create some culture within his life," Ong said.

Chinese New Year celebrations in the province continue Monday.