All Chinese communities are ecstatic and extravagant during the Chinese New Year. One of the highlights of this event is the Chinese New Year parade. The Chinese New Year Parade continues to amaze and delight the millions of people who witness it year after year and remains one of the most inspiring and celebrated events.
The Chinese New Year parade is grand in every sense of the word. The young, the old, the rich and the poor throng the streets to watch the event with excitement. The showcase of lion and dragon dances, street performers, colorful costumes, fireworks and happy faces make the annual Chinese New Year parade and celebration truly unforgettable.
The lion dance symbolizes the arrival of good fortune. While performers dance through the streets, people are also entertained by drumming and gongs. These instruments create the lively, dynamic sounds that accompany the Lion Dance. Chinese people believe that loud drumbeats awaken the legendary animal and drive away evil spirits.
Millions of spectators are also wowed by the brilliant sparkles and fireworks display, as no Chinese New Year Parade is complete without them. Loud firecrackers are also thrown around the lion and dragon to scare away the ghosts.
In China, the dragon is considered a popular symbol of power, wisdom, and luck. This is why most, if not all, the Chinese believe that they are descendants of the dragon. In the Chinese New Year Parade, the dragon is the biggest attraction. The dragon used for the special event is usually made of silk, bamboo, and other colorful materials. The dragon can measure up to 100 feet. and can be carried by 50 youngsters on poles. It is believed that the longer the dragon, the better the year.
The Chinese New Year Parade is also where East meets West. This is because the Chinese New Year Parade features other non-Chinese traditions as well. Apart from the symbolic dance of the lion and the golden dragon, the parade also features non-Chinese activities such as the beauty pageant. Many people come to see the newly crowned Mrs. Chinatown and her court along with the colorful Chinese-themed floats, marching bands, and other Asian groups that join the parade.
How it all started
During the San Francisco Gold Rush period, more than 50,000 hopefuls came to work in the mines in hopes of a better life. Among them were Chinese immigrants who later developed friendships and ties with everyone else. These Chinese immigrants soon shared their unique culture using the old-fashioned American parade. With the help of other groups from different parts of the city, they were able to promote the rich Chinese culture.
Today, all Chinatowns around the world celebrate Chinese New Year with festivals and parades. San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade is the largest of its kind outside of Asia. The Chinese New Year Parade has come a long way.
