On January 25, 2004, thousands of people from all areas of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland lined Pender Street that goes through Chinatown, to view the colourful Parade celebrating Chinese New Year - 2004, the Year of the Monkey. The festivities which included Music, Dragon Dances, loud fireworks which were meant to chase away the demons and the many traditional colourful costumes, floats and banners made their way along the Parade Route, thrilled and excited those that watched.