New York is the metropolis that has the most Chinese immigrants in the world, more than 500,000 people. The Chinese New Year is celebrated accordingly, with large fireworks displays and parades. Here are the main parades taking place over the next few weeks:
Brooklyn Lunar New Year Parade
When: Sunday, January 29th, 12 p.m
Where: Sunset Park, Brooklyn
The first of the big New York parades, it doesn't compare to the big Manhattan parade, but a good way to warm up for the parades to come.
The hour-long event begins at 8th Ave and 50th St. in the neighborhood known as Chinatown in Brooklyn.
Queens Lunar New Year parade and celebration
When: Saturday, February 4th, 11 a.m
Where: Flushing, Queens
Almost as eccentric as the Manhattan Chinatown Parade, the extravaganza in Flushing boasts the same colorful floats, fireworks and steel drummers from the day before.
The parade itself, which is free, lasts about an hour - organizers welcome participants to bring their own signs to the parade, as well as an appetite to visit the many local restaurants and shops afterwards.
The route begins at Union St. and 37th Ave and ends around the Queens Crossing shopping center.
New York City Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
When: Feb. 5, 1:00 p.m
Where: Chinatown
Widely known as New York's main Lunar New Year event. This vibrant procession of soaring dragons and costumed dancers returns to Manhattan for the 18th consecutive year.
Thousands will line the streets during this impressive parade. Starting at the corner of Hester and Mott Streets, it moves to Chatham Square before turning onto East Broadway. The parade then turns back onto Forsyth St. before ending just outside Sara D. Roosevelt Park, where the festivities continue for several hours.
My recommendation: Arrive an hour earlier, the most beautiful viewpoints fill up around 12 p.m.