Numerous individuals filled the streets of Chicago’s Chinatown on Sunday afternoon for a parade commemorating the Lunar New Year, including dynamic colors, joyful drifts and dancing.
Amidst the dynamic crowds, dragon puppets snaked through the streets. Marching bands followed with positive music. Chains of complex red lanterns hung throughout the pathways, fluttering in the wind.
“It’s so much enjoyable to see it all,” stated Amy Duong, clutching her 3-year-old in her arms. “The warm weather condition has actually produced such a fantastic turnout.”
It’s her child’s very first Lunar New Year Parade.
“She’s a little afraid of the dragons, truthfully,” Duong stated with a laugh. “But it’s truly enjoyable, and we’re delighted to be here.”
The Chinese New Year formally started Feb. 10, marking the Year of the Dragon. The parade, arranged by the Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation, began at the crossway of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue. Individuals marched north towards West Cermak Road, where a big phase had actually been put together.
Companies in the location were loaded with clients. Lots of moms and dads positioned their kids on their shoulders to be able to see the celebrations.
Caitlin Palmer, 26, and Adrian Fonseca, 28, danced along to music as a flower float drove by.
“We like the marching bands,” Palmer, an Evanston homeowner, stated. “It’s fantastic to see a lot of individuals entering into the spirit,
The set intended on going to a neighboring dining establishment once the event concluded. They had actually at first wished to go to the parade in 2020, however it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ve been wishing to choose a while,” Fonseca stated. “I’m actually pleased we made it out.”
Throughout the street, 70-year-old Tommy Cheung unfurled his household flag, embellished with gold tassels and emblazoned with a Chinese character. He waved it as the parade gone by. Cheung’s household initially comes from Hong Kong.
“This implies excessive to me,” Cheung stated, gesturing to the crowd. “It’s about my culture, and getting to share it, and individuals originate from all over the city to commemorate it.”
Jenna Boyd could not be more fired up for the brand-new year– she was born throughout the Year of the Dragon. She had actually concerned the parade an hour early to get a great view. Her household is from Seoul, South Korea, and she’s matured commemorating the vacation.
“This is my year,” Boyd stated with a smile. “The misconception is that it will bring me success, however I think we’ll see.”
karmanini@chicagotribune.com