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Chinese Lunar New Year in New York City: 2008

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

By Heather Cross, About.com

Lunar New Year Parade
Mar 5 2008
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 February 7, 2008. It is the year of the Rat. 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
Date: Thursday, February 7, 2008
Where: from 11-3 p.m. in Chatham Square (Intersection of Bowery, Mott & East Broadway)
The firecracker detonation, with expected attendance by local politicians and community leaders, is intended to ward off evil spirits. From 11 am to 3 pm, 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.

Lunar New Year Flower Market | Pictures from the Lunar New Year Flower Market
Friday, February 2 from 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturday, February 3 from noon - 5 p.m.; Sunday, February 4 from 2-8 p.m.
Where: Columbus Park on Mulberry Street, between Bayard and Worth Streets (Subways: B,D to Grand Street; J,M,Z to Bowery)
Info: Please call 212-619-4785 for more information.
The Fifth Annual New York Lunar New Year Flower Market was held in a heated tent in Columbus Park over the weekend. The event has been growing in size over the last few years, but is primarily patronized by community members making the traditional flower purchases for celebrating the Lunar New Year. Performances and artist demonstrations throughout the event are also available to visitors enjoying the sights and smells of orange and plum blossoms, narcissus, chrysanthemums and other flowers traditionally recognized as symbols of prosperity and fortune for the New Year.

9th 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: 1-5 pm, Sunday, February 10, 2008
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 3:00 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

See Pictures from the Chinese New Year Parade

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