Chinese New Year Day Parade - 01/29/25
The Chinese New Year Parade is a celebration of Chinese culture and tradition. Held on the day of Chinese New Year, which follows the lunar calendar, this event is a unique opportunity to experience the excitement and energy of Chinatown with friends and family.
The CFMAC is one of the few groups that organizes a Lion Dance parade through the heart of Chinatown on the day of. Starting at the Athletic Club on Canal Street around 10:30 AM, our parade winds its way through the neighborhood, bringing blessings and performances to businesses.
Businesses wishing to receive a performance from the lion dance team often prepare offerings of lettuce and oranges. Some businesses, especially those with martial arts lion dance backgrounds, may present "puzzles" or "challenges" to test the lion dance group's skills. Successful completion of these challenges can lead to generous rewards. Other businesses will invite the lions in for a quick greeting and three bows, offering a red envelope as a token of appreciation. Some businesses not familiar with the culture and tradition may choose not to participate in the blessings and have the lions skip over their storefront.
In a significant development, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation in 2023 to declare Asian Lunar New Year a public school holiday across New York State, further recognizing the importance of this cultural celebration.
Chinese New Year Parade Area in red
The parade route typically covers the area between Canal Street to the north, Worth Street and Chatham Square to the south, Baxter Street to the west, and Bowery to the east.
*This event is not Chinese new year Float parade where spectators are behind barricades watching floats and dance groups walk down the street.
Snake Challenge presented to CFMAC
Lions overtakes the Snake before approaching the offerings
Challenge put out by the Hip Sing Association - Pell st.
The lettuce is eaten and shared with the audience and business.
Red envelopes are presented to each Lion.