2008 Woodie Awards
City Life: Chinese New Year in the City
Caryn Connolly
Issue date: 2/16/07 Section: Opinion
Beginning on February 18, Chinatown will celebrate the Year of the Fire Bore in a series of events. Though it does not feel like it outside, this spring festival commemorates the start of the lunar year. The festivities actually begin before the official date. On February 16 a special flower market, featuring orange blossoms, chrysanthemums, and other flowers that represent prosperity and good fortune will take place under a heated tent.
The traditional Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival will take place in Chatham Square on the 18th. The noise of the firecrackers is said to ward off evil spirits. Both traditional dragon dancers and modern dancers will fill the streets of Chinatown with color and the loud cracks of firecrackers. Later that night, for the first time, a fireworks display in Columbus Park will enchant onlookers. The display is supposed to be on par with the 4th of July fireworks displays. If it is not too cold that night, it would be worth the trip to see fireworks in February.
On the following Sunday, February 25, the Lunar New Year Parade will wind its way through Chinatown and end up on Canal Street, where an indoor festival will take place at its conclusion. Bands and floats, as well as many street performers, dragon and otherwise, will add to the cacophony.
Over the course of the two weeks, there will be many events to entertain as well as educate. The Museum of Chinese in the Americas will hold walking tours describing the Chinese holiday and its traditions and customs. In the event of inclement weather, these tours will be given indoors.
Soon it will be spring. It is time to go out and start the celebration!
The traditional Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival will take place in Chatham Square on the 18th. The noise of the firecrackers is said to ward off evil spirits. Both traditional dragon dancers and modern dancers will fill the streets of Chinatown with color and the loud cracks of firecrackers. Later that night, for the first time, a fireworks display in Columbus Park will enchant onlookers. The display is supposed to be on par with the 4th of July fireworks displays. If it is not too cold that night, it would be worth the trip to see fireworks in February.
On the following Sunday, February 25, the Lunar New Year Parade will wind its way through Chinatown and end up on Canal Street, where an indoor festival will take place at its conclusion. Bands and floats, as well as many street performers, dragon and otherwise, will add to the cacophony.
Over the course of the two weeks, there will be many events to entertain as well as educate. The Museum of Chinese in the Americas will hold walking tours describing the Chinese holiday and its traditions and customs. In the event of inclement weather, these tours will be given indoors.
Soon it will be spring. It is time to go out and start the celebration!
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