To celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Monkey, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Toronto (Toronto TECO) hosted its annual gala party “Taiwan Night” on February 19 at its Culture Centre in Scarborough. More than four hundred guests, including Senators Victor Oh and Tobias Enverga, MPs John McKay, Peter Kent and Bob Saroya, MPPs Bob Delaney and Ernie Hardeman, Deputy Mayor of Toronto Denzil Minnan-wong, Mayor of Markham Frank Scarpitti, Toronto City Councillors Norm Kelly and Jim Karygiannis, Markham Regional Councillor Joe Li, Oxford County Warden David Mayberry and Councillor Don McKay. Also in attendance were Commissioners and Honorary Commissioners of Overseas Community Affairs Council of Republic of China (Taiwan), leaders of local Taiwanese associations, members of academic community, the media and other guests. The party was warm and lively.

In her opening remarks, Director General of Toronto TECO Catherine Y. M. Hsu welcomed Canadian friends and members of local Taiwanese community to join the event and celebrate the Lunar New Year. She also thanked them for their supports to Taiwan and TECO, and reiterated her commitment to continuing promoting economic, trade, cultural and tourist exchanges between Taiwan and Canada.

Representatives of Canadian federal, provincial and municipal governments also took the stage to give their greeting remarks and to thank the local Taiwanese community for their contribution to Canada. On top of that, they also gave their blessings to Taiwan in Mandarin, giving their high regards to the Taiwanese constituency.

During the event, Madam DG Hsu also presented certificates for honorary post issued by the Overseas Community Affairs Council. Madam DG Hsu also represented Taiwan government to accept donations of local Taiwanese associations for the victims to Taiwan’s Feb. 6 Earthquake.

In addition to delicious Taiwanese cuisines, the gala party also provided great performances by two cultural groups from Taiwan: Southern Taiwan Artistic Dance Troupe and Chin Fei Feng Marionette Theatre Troupe. The two groups brought to the audience performance of Chinese culture with Taiwanese characteristics. Southern Taiwan Artistic Dance Troupe opened the show with Dance of the Monkeys, welcoming everyone to the New Year celebration. Chin Fei Feng Marionette Theatre Troupe, for its part, showcased the world’s smallest lion dance, which cheered up and refreshed the audience. The unique performances highlighted the festival atmosphere, transforming this year’s Taiwan Night into a splendid cultural feast.

More than 400 guests show up for Taiwan Night 2016.

Madam DG Hsu shares a group photo session with VIP guests.

Chin Fei Feng Marionette Theatre Troupe takes the audience on a wonderful journey with the world’s smallest lion dance.

Southern Taiwan Artistic Dance Troupe demonstrates Taiwan culture in the performance.

Members of Southern Taiwan Artistic Dance Troupe showcase their charming talents.

Southern Taiwan Artistic Dance Troupe’s performances win warm applause from the audience