Today marks the star of the Lunar New Year as countries and people around the world welcome the Year of the Tiger.

The President of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto says it’s one of the most important festivals in the Chinese community. Angela Chan says wherever there are Chinese people, be it in China, Malaysia, India or anywhere else around the world, there will be celebrations.

Tradition dictates that the first day of the new year is spent with family, the second day you go out and visit further and on the third day, you just go out to the restaurants and eat.

Locally, there is an outdoor celebration planned by the East Toronto Chinese Chamber of Commerce this Sunday at noon.

The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto has a virtual event planned for next Monday.  It will be streamed live at 8 p.m. on the website.