Hundreds of people filled the streets of Chicago’s Chinatown on Sunday afternoon for a parade celebrating the Lunar New Year, featuring vibrant colors, festive floats and dancing.
Amid the bustling crowds, dragon puppets snaked through the streets. Marching bands followed with upbeat music. Chains of intricate red lanterns hung across the sidewalks, fluttering in the wind.
“It’s just so much fun to see it all,” said Amy Duong, clutching her 3-year-old in her arms. “The warm weather has made for such a great turnout.”
It’s her daughter’s first Lunar New Year Parade.
“She’s a little scared of the dragons, honestly,” Duong said with a laugh. “But it’s really fun, and we’re happy to be here.”
The Chinese New Year officially began Feb. 10, marking the Year of the Dragon. The parade, organized by the Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation, kicked off at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue. Participants marched north toward West Cermak Road, where a large stage had been assembled.
Businesses in the area were packed with patrons. Many parents placed their young children on their shoulders to be able to see the festivities.
Caitlin Palmer, 26, and Adrian Fonseca, 28, danced along to music as a floral float drove by.
“We love the marching bands,” Palmer, an Evanston resident, said. “It’s great to see so many people getting into the spirit,
The pair planned on visiting a nearby restaurant once the celebration concluded. They had initially wanted to attend the parade in 2020, but it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ve been wanting to go for a while,” Fonseca said. “I’m really glad we made it out.”
Across the street, 70-year-old Tommy Cheung unfurled his family flag, adorned with gold tassels and emblazoned with a Chinese character. He waved it as the parade passed by. Cheung’s family originally hails from Hong Kong.
“This means too much to me,” Cheung said, gesturing to the crowd. “It’s about my culture, and getting to share it, and people come from all over the city to celebrate it.”
Jenna Boyd couldn’t be more excited for the new year — she was born during the Year of the Dragon. She had come to the parade an hour early to get a good view. Her family is from Seoul, South Korea, and she’s grown up celebrating the holiday.
“This is my year,” Boyd said with a smile. “The myth is that it will bring me prosperity, but I guess we’ll see.”
