Welcome to the Year of the Rabbit! Yesterday, thousands of onlookers gathered in Chinatown to celebrate the 12th annual Lunar New Year parade. The festivities included floats, costumes, musicians, dancers, and plenty of good ol’ Chinese-American times. If you couldn’t attend the event because you were too busy preparing your infamous nacho dip or applying your decorative face paint for last night’s Super Bowl, take a look at what you missed.
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
New York’s Chinatown was bustling with activity yesterday as some people marched while others watched.
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
As expected, plenty of rabbits were spotted throughout the afternoon.
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
Lots of them.
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
The parade got started after several politicians wished everyone the best by saying “Gung Hay Fat Choy” from a float. Can you spot New York Senator Chuck Schumer? He’s there!
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
Participants hung cabbages, which represent prosperity and good luck, from the floats.
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
And then the dragons came out!
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
Lions, rabbits, and traditional dress made quite the visual combination.
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
Not all participants could grow beards in time for the parade.
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
But everyone was glad to be there.
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
It took several robust individuals to hoist this gold dragon.
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
The Chinese LGBT community banged their drums with pride.
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
Some lions were adorned with elaborate details.
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
Some grew rather tall and frightful.
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
Others were not so intimidating.
Photo credit: Aaron Colussi
As soon as the parade was over, the crowds cleared leaving the streets aglow with confetti.