Chinatown embraces Chinese New Year parade

This past weekend brought thousands of people to New York City’s Chinatown to celebrate the Chinese New Year and the year of the Tiger.

While the weather co-operated for organizers of this parade, the true attractions for spectators were the colourful floats and unique costumes inspired by Chinese culture.  Celebrations focused on the year of the Tiger, the 3^rd year of a 12 year cycle in the Chinese calendar.  Optimism for good fortune was widespread among the Chinese community, and the parade to celebrate this New Year surely did not disappoint.

For many in attendance, this parade brought closer their roots to home.  Many Chinese born people were visible among the spectators, and seemed to embrace such celebrations in their home within New York City.

Another large attraction to those who attended was the ever so popular Lion Dance.  It is believed that the Lion Dance is believed to scare away evil spirits, and in turn bring forward good luck.  Also included in the parade were several marching bands and performers.

This parade also brought opportunity for messages to be heard that may have been unthinkable 11 years ago when the very first parade was held in Chinatown.  The strongest message came from the LGBT (Lesbians Gays Bisexuals and Trans-Gender) group that marched in the parade for the first time in the parade’s 11 year existence.  It was a message that brought inspiration to many people, and a message that this parade was a celebration of an entire culture.

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