On February 4, 2024 (Lichun), the Canada Jilin Association, Canada Jilin General Chamber of Commerce, Canada Changchun Fellow Association and Northeast Normal University Canada Alumni Association jointly held the 2024 Canada Jilin Spring Festival Gathering in Toronto. Over 230 JilinChinese expatriates gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Federal MP Sam S. K. Chan, Richmond Hill Deputy Mayor Chen Zhihui, Councillor Cui Binghui and other officials attended to congratulate and deliver speeches, emphasizing the Chinese community's contribution to Canadian society and the importance of cultural heritage.γ
Wonderful Performances, Cultural Fusion
The 5-hour evening featured diverse performances, including:
- Opening Dance "Auspicious Joy Song" β Traditional Folk Group Dance
- Poetry Recitation "New Chapter of Years" and "Ode to Jilin"
- Female Solo "As You Wish" and "Where Peach Blossoms Bloom"
- Korean Traditional Dance "Arirang" β Tribute to Jilin's Korean Ethnic Culture
- Bamboo Flute Solo "Whipping Horses to Transport Grain"
- Crosstalk "New Immigrants" and "Night Journey" β Humorously describing immigrant life
- Duet "I Love You, China!"
- Original Piano Solo "Dialogue with Life"
- Tai Chi Fan Performance β Blending Traditional Martial Arts and Art
- Chorus "Gratitude" and "Auld Lang Syne" β Warm Closing
The essential dumplings for the Northeastern New Year's Eve dinner were also an important part of the evening, with volunteers preparing steaming dumplings for guests. The event also featured multiple lucky draw rounds, with Jilin fellows from all walks of life donating generous prizes.
The successful event was made possible by the generous support of all sponsors, including Diamond Sponsor Ontario Institute of Technology, Mr. Yang Guang of Sunshine Music Center, and real estate investment planner and co-founder of Shushi Realty Jason Gao.