Culture, community and tradition shine at Markham celebration
Hundreds of residents and community leaders came together recently for the “2026 Markham Chinese Heritage Month Celebration,” a vibrant showcase of culture, history and community spirit.
The event was jointly hosted by Regional Councillor Alan Ho, the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham and the Federation of Chinese Canadians in York Region, and presented by TD Bank Group. It was held at the FCCM Cultural Centre inside King Square Shopping Centre.
Organizers said the celebration, held in recognition of Chinese Heritage Month, reflected the city’s diversity, inclusion and unity. Cultural performances and interactive exhibits invited residents of all backgrounds to explore and appreciate the richness of Chinese heritage.
As chair of Markham’s Culture and Economic Development Committee, Ho delivered opening remarks in English, noting that Chinese civilization spans more than 5,000 years. He emphasized that Chinese Heritage Month is not only a meaningful celebration for the Chinese community but also an opportunity for all residents to learn about traditional Chinese culture and strengthen multicultural understanding.
Mayor Frank Scarpitti thanked organizers, volunteers and performers for their dedication, praising the event’s role in promoting Chinese culture and fostering community connection.
Deputy Consul General Cheng Hongbo of the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto highlighted the celebration’s importance in promoting traditional Chinese culture and encouraging cultural exchange between China and Canada.
Superintendent Chirag Bhatt of York Regional Police #5 District also offered remarks, noting the event strengthened community engagement and contributed to a safe and harmonious city.
Nearly 50 cultural programs were presented throughout the day, including dragon and lion dances, Peking Opera excerpts, Sichuan opera face-changing, waist drum performances, classical and ethnic dances, Tai Chi kung fu fan demonstrations, musical ensembles and poetry recitations.
Interactive booths offered hands-on experiences such as oracle bone script heritage exploration, movable-type printing and stone rubbing demonstrations, Chinese calligraphy displays, traditional papermaking demonstrations and lantern riddle games — blending performance and participation in a celebration that engaged residents of all ages.