On September 15, as the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, Vancouver held its sixth China Cultural Arts Festival, themed “China in Intangible Heritage—Beautiful Sichuan.”
The day was marked by beautiful weather, with the North Plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery alive with the sounds of drums and string instruments, alongside the vibrant sight of dancing dragons and lions. The stage showcased a diverse lineup of performances, including Chinese opera, dance, martial arts, and musical acts, each captivating the audience. In addition, the square featured displays of Chinese calligraphy and delectable cuisine, drawing in enthusiastic crowds.
A standout feature of the festival was the exhibition of Sichuan’s intangible cultural heritage artifacts, presented by the Sichuan Overseas Friendship Association. Visitors were especially taken by the intricate Sichuan Shu embroidery decorations, palm weaving crafts, porcelain and bamboo tea sets, Mianzhu woodblock New Year paintings, Miao embroidery and wax dye products, and tie-dyed cloth dolls. A photo exhibit also highlighted the cultural richness and developmental achievements of Sichuan.
This year’s festival was co-hosted by the Canadian Chinese Community Coalition and the Canadian Sichuan Association, with notable attendance from representatives of the Chinese Consulate in Vancouver, local government officials, and various Chinese organizations and businesses.
Consul General Yang Shu of the Chinese Consulate in Vancouver emphasized that the China Cultural Arts Festival has grown into a significant platform for cultural exchange between the Chinese community and other ethnic groups. He expressed his hope that the event would deepen the local community’s understanding of Chinese traditional culture. Yang pointed out that the Mid-Autumn Festival embodies the spirit of “all under heaven are one family,” aligning with the contemporary ideals of “harmony and coexistence.” He stressed the importance of building a shared community and mentioned that fostering Sino-Canadian friendship is a mutual aspiration that calls for collaborative efforts to strengthen ties between China and Canada.
Xue Xiaomei, Executive Chair of the Canadian Chinese Community Coalition, highlighted that the festival, established in 2019, aims to promote Chinese culture, enhance multiculturalism, and strengthen community harmony. Yang Sha, president of the Canadian Sichuan Association, expressed hopes that the festival would showcase the richness of Chinese culture, contributing to the vibrant multicultural landscape of Canada.