With Lunar New Year fast approaching, Richmond's Aberdeen Centre has opened its annual flower and gift fair.
The flower and gift fair at the Richmond mall is a one-stop shop for families to buy lucky decorations, clothes, food and, of course, flowers, to celebrate the new year until Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Aberdeen's flower and gift fair is the city's largest Lunar New Year flower market and takes up the mall's first, second and third floors.
In the past, flower markets were held only on Lunar New Year's Eve, whereby families would visit after enjoying a large dinner. As years passed, the traditional fair was extended to one week before the Lunar New Year to allow more time for people to prepare.
Tiffany Ho, senior vice-president of Fairchild Developments, which operates Aberdeen Centre, previously told the Richmond News that many families believe flowers are a "symbol of growth in a family, to see the next generation bloom."
Meanwhile, on Lunar New Year Eve (Tuesday, Jan. 28), the annual countdown to the Year of the Snake will occur at Aberdeen's Central Atrium.
Last year, hundreds of community members attended the countdown, which has been ongoing for more than two decades.
A pre-countdown stage show by Fairchild Radio will start at 8:30 p.m., followed by personal blessings from the Chinese God of Fortune and a live countdown hosted by Fairchild Television leading up to midnight.
There will be performances such as lion and dragon dances, traditional and hip-hop group dances as well as games with prizes throughout the night.
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