By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
Milton’s Chinese community celebrated the Lunar New Year this weekend with a vibrant event that showcased tradition, culture, and pride. Marking the arrival of the Year of the Snake, the festivities highlighted the richness of local Chinese heritage, drawing hundreds of residents from Milton and beyond.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time for family reunions, feasts, and cultural reflection. In Milton, it was a festive occasion, with local organizations and businesses hosting events to honour this significant day in the Chinese calendar. These celebrations featured a variety of performances, including dragon dances, Chinese opera, and folk music.
According to the 2021 Census, the Chinese community is one of the largest ethnic groups in Milton. The Halton Region, which includes Milton, saw a 60% increase in its Chinese population between 2016 and 2021, making up 5% of the region’s population in 2021.
This reflects a broader trend in the Halton region, where the Chinese population has steadily grown in recent years. Milton, a rapidly expanding town, has seen an influx of residents from diverse backgrounds, with the Chinese community playing a vital role in its cultural fabric.
“The Lunar New Year is always special for our family and the community,” said Mei Luo, a Milton resident and member of the Yi-Chinese Community of Milton. “We come together to celebrate our traditions and share our culture. It’s a time of renewal, and we are proud to be part of this growing, diverse community.”
For many, Chinese New Year is not just a celebration of the year ahead; it’s an opportunity to connect with their roots, preserve traditions, and educate others about Chinese culture. This year’s festivities included performances from local schools and cultural groups, with the dragon dance being a major highlight. A large, intricately designed dragon paraded through downtown Milton, while children and adults cheered and clapped along.
“Milton is becoming more vibrant and diverse, and it’s exciting to see people from different cultures coming together to celebrate the Chinese New Year,” said Jin Zhou, a member of the local Chinese-language school. “It’s a beautiful way to share our culture, and we’re always happy to see the excitement from people outside our community.”
Zhou’s sentiment was echoed by local business owners who recognized the significance of the event in Milton’s cultural landscape. One such business is the town’s Chinese grocery store, where customers lined up for traditional New Year treats like dumplings and sticky rice cakes.
“People are always excited for Chinese New Year. They come in asking for ingredients for traditional foods, and we ensure we have everything they need,” said Lin Chow, the store’s manager. “It’s about more than just food. It’s about bringing people together and reminding us of what we value: family, community, and tradition.”
Chinese New Year is also about giving thanks and wishing for good fortune in the year ahead. For many families, it’s customary to give red envelopes (hóngbāo) filled with money to children and younger family members, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
“Chinese New Year is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future,” said Chow. “We exchange wishes for happiness, health, and success. It’s all about family, joy, and hope.”
Milton’s Chinese community has become an integral part of the town’s cultural mosaic, contributing to the local economy, arts, and community life. In addition to the growing number of Chinese-owned businesses, various cultural organizations, including the Yi-Chinese Association of Milton, offer resources and support for both newcomers and long-time residents.
The Halton region as a whole has seen significant growth in its Chinese population, particularly in Milton, Burlington, and Oakville. Chinese speakers now account for nearly 15 per cent of the region’s population, a number that continues to rise as more families settle in the area. The region’s commitment to embracing diversity is evident in the many community events that celebrate multiculturalism, such as the Lunar New Year festivities in Milton.
“The Chinese community here is very active,” said Luo. “We’ve made so many new connections over the years. We’re a proud part of Milton’s multicultural identity, and it’s wonderful to see our traditions being embraced by the wider community.”
This year’s celebration was not just for the Chinese community, but for all of Milton. With local leaders in attendance and people from different backgrounds participating, the Lunar New Year festivities underscored the town’s spirit of inclusivity and cultural celebration.
As the Year of the Snake begins, Milton’s Chinese community is poised to continue growing, with its cultural traditions becoming an increasingly vibrant part of the town’s identity.
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