As the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China approaches, we spoke with members of Chinese communities across Canada to learn how they are celebrating this significant milestone while expressing their hopes for prosperity and stability in their ancestral homeland.
In Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, we caught up with representatives from the Chinese Cultural Federation and the Chinese Business Association. On September 29, they hosted a vibrant celebration in front of City Hall to coincide with the 75th anniversary of New China and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Mayor Philip Brown participated in the festivities, joining local Chinese children in raising the five-star red flag. He shared holiday greetings with the community and acknowledged their valuable contributions to the city. The celebration included an “Art of the Seasons” exhibition, where local artists and children collaborated to create artworks that beautifully illustrated the harmony between culture and nature.
Meanwhile, in Ontario, the Canadian Chinese Association organized an outdoor cultural performance in Toronto on the same day. Local performing arts groups showcased a dazzling display of dance, opera, music, and traditional performances that captivated attendees. The organizers also treated guests to complimentary barbecue food, adding to the festive atmosphere. Later that evening, the Greater Toronto Chinese Community Center, along with other organizations, hosted a celebratory dinner featuring traditional Chinese dishes. Guests watched a video highlighting significant achievements of New China, and the program included poetry readings, martial arts demonstrations, and dance performances that celebrated Chinese culture. Local arts groups even created spontaneous “flash mob” videos at iconic Toronto landmarks, showcasing their homage to their homeland through song and dance.
In Montreal, key Chinese community organizations came together on September 28 at Zhongshan Park in Chinatown for a flag-raising ceremony. There, the flags of Canada, China, and Quebec proudly waved together in this historic setting. Community members celebrated with song and dance, followed by an impressive evening banquet, where over 500 attendees raised their glasses in honor of New China’s milestone.
In Vancouver, members of the Chinese community gathered for a dinner organized by the Chinese Benevolent Association and other prominent groups to commemorate both the 75th anniversary of New China and the 54th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China. They also organized community bonding activities to usher in National Day celebrations for their homeland.
Chinese communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories also joined forces in Calgary, known as the “oil city,” for the “Beauty of the Boundless Lands” cultural gala. This high-energy event attracted over a thousand participants, including government officials, community groups, and local citizens. Attendees were treated to a variety of performances, from singing and dancing to martial arts, Peking opera, and poetry recitals, culminating in a memorable evening of celebration.
These events highlight the rich cultural tapestry and deep connections between Canada and China, fostering understanding and cooperation while honoring their heritage.
