Chinese New Year Parade

2005 is my year since I'm a rooster. Instead of a typical photo a day shot, I thought I'd include my new gallery.
Victoria's Chinese heritage dates back to 1858, and our Chinatown was built by the Chinese labourers who built Canada's railroad. It is Canada's oldest Chinatown. At its height, Victoria's Chinatown had about 3,500 permanent Chinese residents. The Canadian government stopped any additional immigration in 1923 and Victoria's Chinatown began its decline. Only after World War II, when China was an ally and fought with Canada, did Canada allow Chinese people to immigrate again to Canada. The area is now about two blocks long and features mostly Cantonese shops and restaurants. The ornate Gate of Harmonious Interest with its hand-carved lions is entrance to our Chinatown. The lions (seen in the images below) visit each restaurant and take lettuce and a charitable donation to wish the business a prosperous new year and good luck... all while firecrackers go off in celebration.