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Chinese Lunar New Year in New York City: 2012

Don't miss out on Chinese New Year festivities in New York City

By , About.com Guide

Lunar New Year Parade

Lunar New Year Parade

Photo by Heather Cross, licensed to About.com
Jan 22 2012
Although it is always in January or February, the Chinese New Year does not fall on the same date each year. This year Chinese New Year is on Monday, January 23, 2012. It is the year of the Dragon. If you're curious about the various animals and the years they represent the 12 animals of the Chinese calendar are explained well here.

Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival
See Pictures of the Firecracker Ceremony
Date: Monday, January 23, 2012
Where: from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. in Roosevelt Park (between Grand & Hester Streets)
The firecracker detonation, with expected attendance by local politicians and community leaders, is intended to ward off evil spirits. A large stage will feature all-day cultural performances by traditional and contemporary Asian-American singers and dancers. Plus, a dozen lion, dragon and unicorn dance troupes will march through Chinatown’s main streets, including Mott Street, the Bowery, East Broadway, Bayard Street, Elizabeth Street and Pell Street.

13th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
See Pictures from the Chinese Lunar New Year Parade
The parade usually winds throughout Chinatown along Mott, Canal, and Bayard streets, and along East Broadway.
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 4 pm, Sunday, January 29, 2012
Place: Canal Street South
The spectacle features elaborate floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dances galore, Asian musicians, magicians, acrobats and procession by local organizations. Over 5,000 people are expected to march in the parade, which will start at Mott Street and promenade through practically every street in of Chinatown, finally dispersing at Worth Street. The parade is expected to conclude at 3 pm, at which time an outdoor cultural festival will take place on Bayard Street featuring more performances by musicians, dancers and martial artists.

Chinese Lunar New Year In Flushing, Queens
About.com's Queens Guide, John Roleke, has all the essential information about Chinese Lunar New Year events in Queens -- including the dragon parade, Lunar New Year festival and more.

More Cultural Events to Celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year in New York City

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