Did you recently notice the giant gold and red dragon that looks like it's about to circle in the middle of the grand court at Metropolis at Metrotown?
The Burnaby mall is marking month-long Lunar New Year celebrations with the display as it's one of many standout decorations.
Lunar New Year's official date was last Saturday, Feb. 10, but Metropolis, also known as the "Met," says it's marking 2024, the Year of the Dragon, with several events for interested visitors until Feb. 24.
This includes performances and workshops for all ages to enjoy.
"Each season, the Met collaborates with local designers to build intricate displays," a news release to the NOW reads.
"With stunning, Insta-worthy backdrops that attract both local and global visitors, the Met carefully plans each artistic endeavour to reflect the upcoming festivities held at the centre."
The dragon was designed and installed by Lazy Wizard Design, based in the lower mainland.
In flight, as seen in the grand court, the creature is 30 feet in length displaying its golden scales, fiery red mane and gnashing teeth among floating clouds next to the glass elevator.
However, the Met's release states the dragon is actually 100 feet when stretched out in a straight line, weighing a total of 210 pounds.
How can I celebrate?
The dragon is said to symbolize nobility, vitality and good fortune.
Some of the activities and challenges that'll be presented by Metropolis this month to mark Lunar New Year include the following:
- Give back to increase good fortune
- For every shopper who selects a red pocket from the cherry blossom tree, Metropolis at Metrotown will donate $5 to Angels on Earth Society. The Burnaby-based charity provides culture education to students at no cost.
- Musical performance
- On Friday, Feb. 16 from noon to 2 p.m., listen to the beautiful sounds of the guzheng — a traditional Chinese instrument with a 2,500-year-old history — in the grand court, as the Lucky Buddha poses for photos and hands out red envelopes.
- Join a culinary workshop
- On Saturday, Feb. 17, at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., you can learn how to prepare traditional Lunar New Year meals.
- Make your own Lantern Festival décor
- On Feb. 23, from noon to 2 p.m., during this craft workshop, you’ll learn from three artisans — a Chinese dragon artisan, a Chinese gold phoenix artisan, and a Chinese lantern artisan.
- Dance and eat the day away
- On Feb. 24, at noon, watch a dumpling eating contest, dance to traditional and K-pop music, and learn how to lion dance.
- Taste your way through Metropolis at Metrotown
- Food plays a central role in the Lunar New Year. Take your tastebuds on a tour of the shopping centre, where more than 70 eateries beckon with flavours from around the world.
For more information and business hours, you can visit Metropolis at Metrotown's website.
