New York City Chinese New Year 2012
New York City’s 2012 Chinese New Year is ramping up to showcase Chinese culture through parades, performances and events throughout the city. Set according to the lunar calendar, the 2012 Chinese New Year falls on January 23 and welcomes in the Year of the Dragon.
Photo of Chinese New Year’s Parade in NYC © Global Jet
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is written as ‘Spring Festival’ in Chinese and celebrates the change from winter to spring. It is a time for families to get together and many practices relate to bringing in good luck for the new year, such as eating certain foods, exchanging gifts, and giving red envelope packets with money in them. Even lion dances and lighting fireworks, two of Chinese New Year’s most well known practices, are done to scare away evil spirits and bring fortune.
2012 Chinese New Year Events in New York City
New York City has 5 recognized Chinatowns and many areas with large and growing Chinese populations. The city will be sure to have something for everyone. Here are some things to do in New York City on Chinese New Year.
13th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year’s Day Firecracker Ceremony
The Chinatown Lunar New Year’s Day Firecracker Ceremony will happen on Monday January 23 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. It will be held in Sara Roosevelt Park at the intersection of Grand Street and Chrystie Street. See their website for more information.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
The Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival will be held on Sunday January 29. The parade will start at 1:00 pm in Little Italy and end by Sara Roosevelt Park, which is where the festival and booths will be greeting guests from 11:30 am – 4:00 pm. See the website for more information.
Flushing, Queens 2012 Lunar New Year Parade
Flushing, Queens is home to one of New York’s major Chinatowns, and this parade is one of it’s biggest Chinese New Year events with some 4,000 dragon dancers, musicians, and other artists marching through the streets. A good place to check out the parade is on Main Street, and there will be food and cultural performances at Flushing Mall (133-31 39th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354). The parade will be on Saturday February 4 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and usually begins around 37th and Main Street.
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