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Photos: Richmondites celebrated Lantern Festival in restaurant

The event organizer said they gave Richmond mayor an umbrella as a gift following the event.

An Asian restaurant in Richmond was filled with joy and laughter last week, as more than 80 people, including local politicians, gathered to celebrate the Lantern Festival, marking the final day of the Lunar New Year. 

The event at the Tian Shi Fu restaurant on Alexandra Road, on Feb. 16, had a myriad of activities, such as calligraphy painting, lion dances and drum playing.

Edward Hong, the event organizer, told the Richmond News that it’s great to meet friends again to celebrate the Lantern Festival after more than two years of hiatus. 

“The event went successfully and we even gave Richmond mayor Malcolm Brodie an umbrella as a gift following the event,” laughed Hong. 

Most Asian immigrants usually decorate their homes with colourful lanterns, with riddles written on them, have sweet rice balls and spend time with their loved ones, explained Hong, noting that the lanterns symbolize people letting go of the past and embracing the new year. 

In addition to Mayor Brodie, many other politicians showed up, including Richmond city councillor Chak Au, MLA Henry Yao and former MP Alice Wong.