Crowds came to Chatham Square Thursday for Chinatown’s Lunar New Year parade Thursday, Jan. 22 hoping for gung hat fat choy, prosperous wishes for the year. Police at the scene estimated about 600 people showed up, down a little from last year when the weather was warmer. Lion Dance groups, Chinese musicians, martial arts experts and acrobats rang in 4702, the Year of the Monkey. Mid-way through the morning celebrations, there was the controlled firecracker detonation which consisted of eight long strings of firecrackers, eight being a very lucky number for the Chinese. The loud noise is meant to ward off evil spirits so that people can start the New Year with a clean slate. Most Chinatown restaurants are incorporating the lucky eight into their business over the celebratory period by participating in prix fixe lunches and dinners costing $8.88 and $18.88, respectively. The square was alive with the clashing sounds of symbols and beating of drums as the Lion Dancers went up and down the surrounding streets, and danced in front of the local businesses, which is also believed to ward off evil spirits.
This Sunday there will be a three-hour parade starting at 1 p.m. with colorful floats, Lion and Dragon Dancers. It will wind its way through all the major streets in Chinatown, including Canal, Mott, Mulberry, Madison, East Broadway and The Bowery. There will also be Lion Dancers every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Canal and Mott Sts. until Feb. 8, sponsored by the Chinese Consolidated Benevloent Association.
—Melanie Wallis
Reader Services
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