L.A.’s Chinatown Celebrates Chinese New Year with 116th Annual Parade

Unfold your paper lanterns and put your favorite chinese restaurant on speed-dial, because Chinese New Year is almost here. It’s time to grab 2015 by the horns and what better way to do so than celebrate the Chinese Year of the Goat. Colorful festivities take place around the globe on each New Year, including here in Chinatown LA. On Feb. 21, Chinatown Los Angeles will be the site of a day-long New Year’s celebration, including performances, food, activities, and the 116th Golden Dragon Parade.

Every year, the date of the Chinese New Year is determined by the Chinese lunisolar calendar and marks the New Year and the passing of the old. It also marks a day for remembering ancestors and counting ones’ blessings for the Chinese people and many of the Asian countries they have influenced. Southern Californians of Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean descent, alike, come together every February for one of the most anticipated family celebrations of the year.

For 116 years, the Chinatown celebration has included the Annual Golden Dragon Parade. Thousands of people line North Broadway in Chinatown to watch over two dozen floats, marching bands, and distinguished people march down the street. All day, Chinatown visitors can expect a packed entertainment schedule featuring high school bands, drum ensembles, and many more. Food trucks from a myriad of ethnic and culinary groups will take part in the exciting celebration, and you can try your hand at a variety of arts and crafts projects at booths set up for kids and adults.

Want to do Chinese New Year the right way? Chinese families usually begin cleaning their house top to bottom about a week before the celebration. This would also be the opportunity you’ve been looking for to buy those boots and schedule that hair appointment. New outfits are purchased for good luck and all haircuts are completed before the holiday. The actual first day of the celebration varies around the world, but traditionally families get together for reunion dinners, where they exchange gifts and money sealed in red envelopes for good luck in the New Year. The New Year celebration lasts for 15 days, culminating in a red lantern ceremony on the last evening.

Chinatown Los Angeles will be celebrating the Chinese New Year all day Feb. 21. Entry to the festival is free.