Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown

Chinese New Year concluded Sunday with a bang at the Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown. The 25th annual event stepped off at the intersection of Mott and Canal Streets around 1 pm; revelers showed up as early as 11 am to join in the fun, given that prior years saw a more subdued affair as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This year’s celebration is marked as the Year of the Rabbit, which was prominently displayed at the head of the parade in the form of a giant, red, plush float. 

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams kicked off the parade both with speeches, proclaiming their joy in seeing new life breathed into a community that was decimated just a scant few years ago. 

Large dragon puppets of all shapes and sizes weaved down the parade route, while dancers flitted close behind. Quite a few parade participants were sporting masks, which served as an important reminder about everything the Asian community has endured over the course of the last several years. This year’s parade marked another important first, as the organizers welcomed a few black marching bands to perform on the route. Participants marched from step off, down Mott street to Chatham Square, where they continued along East Broadway until they reached the end point at Sara D. Roosevelt Park in the Lower East Side. 

The parade lasted about three hours and saw thousands gather to join in the celebration of the end of Lunar New Year.

Photos by Bruce Cotler

Story by Emily Cotler