NEW YORK, March 1 (Xinhua) -- A Lantern Festival parade was held on Saturday by the Chinese American community in the New York City borough of Brooklyn as part of Lunar New Year celebrations.
Fireworks and firecrackers added the festive vibe to Chinatown on 8th Avenue, with red lanterns and colorful confetti transforming the entire neighborhood.
The parade featured dragon and lion dances, stilt walking, a Hanfu show, a parade of cartoon characters, lantern riddles, paper cutting, and live performances and drew thousands of spectators.
"Chinese culture is vibrant, resilient and full of life," said Susan Nickel, a student of Pace University. "It has become the indispensable part of New York's multicultural tapestry."
The annual parade was held for a third year, according to the organizer.
"The Lantern Festival is a cultural tradition of our Chinese community that has lasted for more than three thousand years," said John Chan, president of the Asian American Community Empowerment and organizer of the event.
"It's hopeful that through our joint efforts, we can carry forward this tradition and promote it among the American people," he added.
"Let's be proud of our heritage," said Lester Chang, New York State Assembly member. "Our Chinese heritage is what we've brought over from our motherland."
"And I hope our young generations continue to follow this traditional culture while we make America our home," Chang said.
The organizer said the Street Festival will be staged in Brooklyn on Sunday, as part of the two-day Lantern Festival celebrations.
Symbolizing family reunion, the Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year and marks the end of the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. ■