The streets of Chinatown filled with the sound of firecrackers as residents gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year. According to ABC7NY, the 28th annual Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival was held at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. The event, rooted in the tradition of warding off bad spirits, featured performances by dancers representing the Chinese zodiac animals and marked the arrival of the Year of the Horse, associated with independence and change.
The celebrations are set to continue with more events across the city. FOX 5 reports that the festival’s parade, a major highlight, will take place on March 1. The 28th annual parade will feature dragon dancing, martial arts, and colorful costumes, starting at 1 p.m. on Mott Street and progressing toward Forsyth Street near Sara D. Roosevelt Park
For those interested in traditional shopping and cultural activities, several venues are offering Lunar New Year events. 99 Ranch Market features ingredients for holiday dishes and festive decorations, while Hudson Yards is hosting celebrations through February 22, including 12-foot-tall horse sculptures and elaborate decorations honoring the zodiac animal of the year.
