Toronto Celebrates Lunar New Year 2026 with Hong Kong Knotting and Paper Crafting Events

Toronto ETO presents traditional Chinese craftsmanship to celebrate Year of the Horse

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) presented knotting and paper crafting as part of the Fête Chinoise Signature Event at Lunar New Year 2026 in Toronto, Canada on February 7 (Toronto time) to celebrate the Year of the Horse.

The cultural activities featured knotting specialist Zoe Siu and paper crafting master Hui Ka-hung, both from Hong Kong. Siu, a celebrated Hong Kong designer renowned for her innovative reinterpretations of Chinese knotting, which transforms traditional knotting techniques into contemporary artistic works for expressions of form, colour and symbolism. Her creations honour centuries-old craftsmanship techniques while engaging international audiences through a modern creative lens.

Hui, an esteemed artisan skilled in traditional paper crafting, brought his intricate workmanship to life through the curated cultural activity. Paper crafting is included in the first Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong, reflecting its significant value for cultural preservation. With decades of experience, Hui's works demonstrate to the fullest the precision and artistic sophistication of paper crafting.

The Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Bill Wong, said, "We are delighted to bring Hong Kong's cultural richness to Canada in celebration of the Lunar New Year. The contributions of these artists exemplify the vitality of Hong Kong's artistic traditions and their evolving expressions on the global stage, as the city continues to position itself as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges."

Capturing tradition in a refreshing light, the annual Fête Chinoise Signature Event celebrates the Lunar New Year in Canada to showcase the essence of Chinese culture and heritage. Toronto ETO is a special sponsor of the Toronto gala.

Toronto ETO presents traditional Chinese craftsmanship to celebrate Year of the Horse Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Toronto ETO presents traditional Chinese craftsmanship to celebrate Year of the Horse Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illegally imported live birds

Hong Kong Customs today (February 7) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of live bird at the Lo Wu Control Point. 112 live birds with an estimated market value of about $15,000 were seized.

Customs officers today intercepted an incoming 26-year-old female passenger at the arrival hall of the said control point. Upon examination, 112 live birds contained in bird cages were seized from the trolley she carried, and she was subsequently arrested.

The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

Under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations, it is an offence to import any bird unless it is accompanied by a valid health certificate. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $25,000.

Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illegal import of live birds to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illegally imported live birds Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases