Written and Edited by: The Taiwan Gazette

Event Recap

• Date: January 25, 2025
• Location: Aura Concourse Shopping Mall, Toronto
• Highlights: Taiwanese food, cultural performances, art exhibitions, and a festive market.

TORONTO – On January 25, 2025, the New Year's Eve Street, organized by the YMCA in partnership with the Taiwan Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association (T.Y.P.E.A.), took place at the Aura Concourse Shopping Mall, marking the first-ever celebration of its kind in Toronto. The event, which brought Taiwan’s rich cultural traditions and delicious cuisine to the city, drew food enthusiasts, families, and culture lovers to experience Taiwanese heritage through an exciting blend of food, art, and entertainment.

A Feast for the Senses: Taiwanese Delights and Local Flavors

The event featured over 60 booths offering a wide selection of Taiwanese specialties, allowing attendees to indulge in a variety of traditional treats. Visitors could enjoy a range of savory and sweet dishes, from specialty breads to melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake, and authentic Taiwanese salt-water chicken. There were also New Year’s gift boxes, famous Boston pies, and an assortment of classic Taiwanese snacks like red turtle cakes, sugar gourd, Chongqing noodles, and handmade mochi.

For tea lovers, one of the merchants was Sian Te, a premium Taiwanese tea brand from Taiwan. Sandy, its owner, says her passion for Taiwanese tea was born from her own experience living abroad and longing for the home flavors of Taiwan. Her teas, made from organic and pesticide-free ingredients sourced directly from farms across Taiwan, not only offer authentic, homegrown flavors but also promote wellness, sustainability, and support for local farmers. Sandy shared her mission: “Through Sian Te, I aim to bring premium teas that nurture both the body and the planet, while deepening the connection between people and their roots.”

**Photo credit: Sian Te Canada**
Website: **www.siante.ca**
Social media: IG: **https://www.instagram.com/siante.ca**
FB: **https://www.facebook.com/siante.ca**

A Market for Creative Goods and More: Handmade Treasures from Taiwan

In addition to food and culture, the event featured a lively market filled with a variety of cultural and creative goods. Shoppers browsed jadeite bracelets, handmade leather goods, miniature ceramic crafts, and festive accessories perfect for celebrating the Spring Festival. There were also spring potted plants and specialized diaries available, offering attendees a unique opportunity to take home a piece of Taiwanese artistry and symbolism.

Among the market vendors was Eva Liu, founder of Yippee --a playful brand that combines handmade stationery and unique pottery to bring joy to everyday life. Eva’s work, which features whimsical illustrations and humorous text, resonated with attendees looking for cheerful, lighthearted creations. From greeting cards to vibrant ceramics, Yippee’s products are designed to add a touch of celebration to any occasion. “Our mission is to spread smiles and create moments of connection,” Eva explained. “Whether it’s through a handmade card or a pottery piece, Yippee is about celebrating the joy in everyday moments.”

**Photos by:** Yippee Design
Social media: IG https://www.instagram.com/yippee_design/

Cultural Experiences and Exhibitions: A Tribute to Taiwanese Heritage

The event also offered attendees a chance to immerse themselves in Taiwanese culture through exhibitions and performances.

One of the artists featured was Nancy Liang, a Taiwanese illustrator whose collaboration with her grandfather, the renowned Taiwanese poet Kang Yuan, formed the basis for two books: Floating: Poetry and Paintings of Grandfather and Granddaughter （浮動：公佮孫的臺語詩畫）and From Children’s Stories to Children’s Songs （對囡仔古到囡仔歌）. These collections, which Nancy shared at the event, showcase their artistic achievements as they promote the beauty of the Taiwanese language. As a supplement to the text, MP3s are also available so that readers can listen to the content as they read.

Website: https://nancy902692000.wixsite.com/mysite/
Social media: IG https://www.instagram.com/itsnancyart/

A Memorable Celebration: A Fusion of Food, Culture, and Creativity

The inaugural New Year’s Eve Street event was a robust celebration of Taiwanese culture, setting the stage for future New Year festivities in Toronto with a dynamic blend of food, art, and cultural experiences.