[media-credit name=”Downtown Express photos by Aline Reynolds” align=”aligncenter” width=”600″]
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Chinatown is now illuminated for the holidays, thanks to an annual tradition made possible by the Chinatown Partnership Local Development Corporation and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association.
The brightly lit ornaments, made up of bell-shaped lights with red, plum blossoms in the center, adorn Canal Street, East Broadway, and parts of Chinatown’s historic district. Plum blossoms, which bloom during the winter, are meant to symbolize the community’s dedication and perseverance to recover and rebuild following the attacks of 9/11.
Various community stakeholders convened on Mott Street last Friday, Dec. 16 to celebrate the ritual by flipping a symbolic switch.
“Chinatown Partnership is delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate and count all the blessings — light over darkness, hope over fear — as we want to make Chinatown shine,” said C.P.L.D.C. Executive Director Wellington Chen.
“This is a memorable event that our community looks forward to every year,” said NYC Councilmember Margaret Chin. “I am so happy that we can continue this tradition for the children and residents of Chinatown, and for the visitors that come each holiday season.”
— Aline Reynolds
