Double Dragon Fortuna
Hundreds of marchers were getting ready near Queens Crossing on Main St. in Flushing, for the start of the annual Chinese Lunar New Year parade. This is one of the most important festivals in the Asian community and usually lasts about 2 weeks. 2018 is the year of the Earth Dog according to Chinese astrology. I especially like this neighborhood parade because of the great food digs especially along Prince St. Flushing is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country and home to over 200 places of worship within a 2.5 square mile radius and remains a model of plurality and an example of how different religions can coexist in harmony. Commercial and residential development is on the rise in Flushing with the near completion of Tangramnyc and mounting pressure on the City to revamp the area adjacent to Citifield, home of the NY Mets. With all the new progress on the horizon, the parade helps keep tradition going with thousands of people lined up along the parade route to rub the nose of one of the dancing lions or elegant dragons for good luck and prosperity.
Dancing Lions
Falun Dafa
Dragon Greeting the Crowd
As usual with these parades, the mounted police signals the start of the parade. VIPs and dignitaries carried a large banner announcing the event with the NYPD Marching Band getting things started. This year, the Chinese groups led of the parade with the World Journal double dragon Fortuna wagging their tail down the parade route. They got the crowd really worked up. A returning favorite were the DCH Racing Group Dancing Lions. They really got into it and were tossing lettuce leaves into the crowd, a symbol of good fortune. Several loyal community groups followed with their banners and well wishes for a Happy New Year. The largest of these groups is Falun Dafa, with their huge marching band. This year they added a few dancing lions and more flags. Their presence keeps growing with their positive messages and beliefs. Closing out the parade were the large Korean marchers with their traditional dress, traditional drummers and military war veterans barking orders to their group to stay in line. They were getting lots of love from the crowd especially since the Winter Olympics are being held in Pyeongchang. The parade always closes out with a pyrotech display of thousands of firecrackers being lit. What an explosive way to kick off the parade season in NYC.
Xinnian kuaile
NYC Parade Life 