On November 26, 2022, the Majesta Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada commenced in the chilly breeze. Confucius Institute of New Brunswick and Chinese Association of Moncton collaborated to take part in the parade.
Starting at 2 p.m., the parade was joined by floats, bands, and performing groups, each of which was decorated with its own unique characteristics, costumes, and props. The passionate music performance further illuminated the celebratory atmosphere. At 5 p.m., the parade, headed by more than 50 colorful Christmas floats and over 100 processions from all walks of life and ethnic communities in Greater Moncton, began its journey like a giant dragon.
On a float, Peter, the son of Zhang Rui, a teacher from CINB, and Eric, the international student from AEI, dressed in cute panda costumes and passionately played Chinese drums with grand and spirited sound. Following the float were children and parents carrying lanterns, and portraits of Peking Opera characters and small red palace lanterns were suspended on either side of the float. Eight majestic yet lovely lions were arranged in two rows on both sides of the float, looking grand and displaying Chinese characteristics.
Teng Jing, foreign director of CINB, along with Wang Changjuan and Zhang Rui, teachers from CINB, marched in the parade wearing costumes of a rabbit, tiger, and monkey respectively, and conveyed holiday greetings to the crowd. Dai Zunfeng, Chinese director of CINB, and Li Xiaoling, a teacher from CINB, guided the students in a lion dance, wearing golden manes and beaming with joy. The performance was met with loud cheers and applause from the audience.
The Majesta Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade has been a long-standing tradition for 55 years, signaling the start of the holiday season and drawing in more than 100,000 people in and around Moncton. This event has been a platform for diverse cultures to be displayed, promoting integration between civilizations and strengthening mutual understanding and trust.
