CELEBRATIONS • February

Chinese New Year Celebration
Manhattan
Late January, early February.
Chinatown, Mott Street at Canal Street

For nearly 36 straight hours, thousands of Chinese-Americans and other revelers celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in the streets of Manhattan's Chinatown. Parades on the first evening and the following day showcase elaborately costumed dances by lions and dragons, egged on by merchants along Mott Street who offer them red envelopes to encourage long and loud dances in front of their stores. These traditional Chinese good luck symbols scare the demons away. Unfortunately, the accompanying firecrackers that helped ward off evil during the actual parade have been banned by the city, although specific, contained detonations may occur and will be advertised in advance. Stores close down for a few days, opening again for a final parade in which Chinese officials welcome the new year and its promise of good fortune.

The Manhattan Chinatown parade route is as follows: Mulberry Street (at Columbus Park), Canal St., Mott St., Chatham Sq., East Broadway, Market St., Division St., Bowery, Canal St., ending at Mulberry St.(at Columbus Park).

For more information: 212-226-1330

http://gonyc.about.com/library/weekly/aa_chinesenewyear.htm
http://www.chinatown-online.com/year/year.htm
http://ccbany.org/pdf/firecracker.pdf (for specifics on contained firecracker displays)

last update: 5/2004

Chinese New Year Celebration
Queens
February 5
Flushing, Queens Parade 11 am, Main Street & 37 Ave.

For more information: 718-353-2320, 718-661-1082.

Last update: 9/2003