Chinese Lunar New Years Day NYC | Chinatown Firecrackers, Festivals and Parades

The Lunar Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the spring and the rebirth of the Earth and Year of the Snake. New York City celebrates the Lunar New Year with a Firecracker Ceremony, Cultural Festival, as well as a New Year Parade followed by another Festival. After the firecrackers, a traditional Lunar New Year practice believed to scare away evil spirits join the opening ceremonies and a dozen Lion, Dragon and Unicorn dance troupes marching down the main streets of Chinatown. Watch a colorful spectacle featuring floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dancers, antique cars, beauty queens, Asian musical performers, magicians and acrobats, and local organizations. The dates this year are January 29 and February 16.