On Sunday, May 31, the streets of Victoria’s Chinatown will once again come alive with music, dance, vibrant colours and breathtaking displays of art, athleticism and culture.

The fifth annual Awakening Chinatown Festival, presented by the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society in partnership with Chinatown businesses, will once again invite residents and visitors alike to witness and participate in a day of culture, celebration and connection.

Of course, anyone who has lived in Victoria for any length of time is almost certainly familiar with the city’s historic Chinatown.

It’s the oldest in Canada and one of the oldest in all of North America, and a stroll through its historic streets immediately brings to mind the rich culture, heritage and resilience of the Chinese people who played a vital role in Victoria’s (and Canada’s) early days.

Established in the mid-19th century, it grew rapidly as Chinese immigrants came in search of opportunities during the Fraser River Gold Rush and the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

They established businesses and homes near Cormorant and Johnson Streets in what was often an unwelcoming society. They built places to live, work and belong, and persevered despite the constant threats of discrimination and exclusion.

At its peak, Chinatown covered six square blocks, and the neighbourhood’s narrow alleys and enclosed courtyards became home to stores, theatres, temples, cafes, workshops, and social spaces for thousands of residents.

Today, a visit to the neighbourhood’s historic streets reminds us of that past but only tells part of the story. It’s only when that backdrop of history and architecture is coupled with the dynamic culture on full display at the Awakening Chinatown Celebration that one can really appreciate the wonder of Victoria’s Chinatown.

The event is held annually at the end of Asian Heritage Month when the district is transformed into a lively gathering place filled with music, performances, food, and cultural experiences for all ages.

This year, Awakening Chinatown will offer a host of events, including presentations of lion dancing, traditional drumming, and astounding martial arts presented by the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club.

For the more cerebrally inclined, the festival will offer demonstrations of harmony and balance, presented by the Taoist Tai Chi Society. The Victoria Chinese Opera Club, Chinese Dance Victoria and Happy Drum Group will also be giving presentations and performances, and there will be live music performances that span styles ranging from classical to contemporary, including Alex Chen, performing opera and Chinese Art Songs in partnership and sponsored by Pacific Opera Victoria, and Michelle Kwan playing the Guzheng.

For the first time, the festival will also offer visitors performances from the Chinese Evergreen Seniors’ Choir, the BC Chinese Music Association’s Traditional Chinese Instrument Chamber Orchestra from Vancouver, and Elvin Chang, acclaimed Canto/Mando pop artist.

For festival goers wishing to have a more hands-on experience, the festival will offer calligraphy and Chinese arts demonstrations, hands-on games and activities for families, and opportunities to connect with community organizations.

As an added attraction, the festival will once again present the Awakening Chinatown Scavenger Hunt. Visitors will have the chance to explore the district while searching for important landmarks, stories, and cultural touchpoints. It’s a fun and interactive way to experience the neighbourhood while learning more about the history and community that make it so special.

The Awakening Chinatown Festival is the work of the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society (VCMS). The Society was formed in 2019 as a non-profit society whose purpose is to share the history, traditions and culture of early Chinese Canadians in Victoria. The museum’s permanent home is inside the Hoy Sun Ning Young Benevolent Association building in Fan Tan Alley, North America’s narrowest commercial street. The museum features a permanent collection of images and artifacts, as well as rotating collections, pop-up exhibits, and family-friendly games and activities.

The Awakening Chinatown Festival is free and open to all and will kick off at 11 a.m. and run until 4:30 p.m. on May 31. More information on the festival, as well as an overview of Chinatown’s vibrant history, can be found at https://victoriachinatownmuseum.com/event/awakening-chinatown-2026/.