Celebrate the Year of the Ox while exploring ice sculptures in Chinatown

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What better way to honour the Year of the Ox than by carving life-size ice sculptures dedicated to the animal?

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Calgary Chinatown‘s third annual Ice Sculpture Showcase, running from February 13 to 28.

 

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The sculptures will be found at locations along 2nd Avenue SE, 3rd Avenue SE, Centre Street, and 4th Avenue SE.

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“In 2018, the Chinatown Business Improvement Area had a dream to light up Chinatown with Ice-Sculptures and carvings during Chinese Lunar New Years to celebrate what this unique community is all about,” says the Chinatown BIA.

“Our dream was realized in 2019 (the Year of the Pig) when we presented 12 unique carvings at the James Short Park for three weeks. In 2020 (the Year of the Rat), Calgary Chinatown BIA once again re-upped CISS by bringing another dozen ice-sculptures to various locations in the area.”

 

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For 2021, the Year of the Ox, there will be five life-size ice sculptures done in likeness of the ox, scattered throughout the Chinatown community.

Each of the carvings will be distinctly coloured to harmonize with Calgary and Chinatown’s culture – the Chinese Lunar New Year tradition, Calgary’s diversity, community safety, compassion and love, and youth.

Starting February 15, visitors can also check out the new Chinatown lamppost banners.

Earlier this year, the BIA held a contest to create a new look for their banners and chose three new designs, each with a different meaning, so make sure you throw a couple glances upward while looking at the ice sculptures.

 

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Mask up, get outside and embrace winter while exploring one of our city’s most culturally rich neighbourhoods.

Chinatown Ice Sculpture Showcase

When: February 13 to 28
Where: Throughout Chinatown at locations along 2nd Avenue SE, 3rd Avenue SE, Centre Street, and 4th Avenue SE
Cost: Free