Welcoming the Year of the Dragon in NYC!

_Today marks the first day of Chinese New Year also known as Spring Festival. The Dragon, holding the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac is powerful and symbolizes ambition and dominance. Typically beginning in January or February, Chinese New Year is a fifteen day celebration filled with family, friends and fireworks to usher in the new year and promote good fortune, wealth and longevity. Although customs vary the use of red envelopes to exchange gifts, paper-cuts, couplets and lanterns add to the festive spirit. In New York City you can experience the festivities of Chinese New Year beginning with the Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival. Taking place in Roosevelt Park this festival is to ward off evil spirits. Did you know a decades long ban on fireworks in New York City was lifted in 2007 allowing this annual ceremony to take place. Another important festival is the Lantern Festival which takes place on the last day of Chinese New Year. Throughout this festival families walk the streets carrying lighted lanterns and candles are placed outside of homes as a way to guide any wayward spirits away from the house. This year the Lantern Festival will take place on Sunday January 29th beginning at 1:00pm on Canal Street South and the main streets of Lower Chinatown/Manhattan.
For more information you can check out: http://betterchinatown.com/LUNAR-NEW-YEAR-PARADE.phpBetter Chinatown Society betterchinatown.com