Celebrate the Lunar New Year
and New Beginnings
in New York City's Chinatown 

The Year of the Pig
Lunar New Year is a major holiday celebrated by Asian communities throughout the world. It celebrates the family, the earth coming back to life and the start of new beginnings and possibilities. This year, 4705, is the Year of the Pig. And, the story goes that in ancient times, Buddha asked all of the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve of them showed up - a rat, buffalo, tiger, cat, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, cock, dog and pig - and Buddha decided to name a year after each one. People born in each animal's year would possess some of that animal's personality. People born in the Year of the Pig are very loving, make loyal partners and keep friends. They also have excellent manners, are hard workers and appreciate luxury.

The Chinatown photos to the left are of a Chinese market, Blessing of the Dragon ceremony, Peking Duck House, a ceramics shop and a produce market. Enjoy our video of Chinatown above which features Canal Street, the markets, Restaurant Row on Mott Street, Kam Man Foods and more.

 Lunar New Year Events in Historic Chinatown, Lower Manhattan
The Chinese celebrate New Year with festivals, special meals and a whole slew of events. Check out some of the New Year goings-on in New York City's Chinatown, the largest in the Northeast. And, this part of historic lower Manhattan includes the famed NYC Five Points (highlighted in Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York) - now, Columbus Park.

Feb. 16 and 17 - Lunar New Year Flower Market at Columbus Park - Held in a heated tent, the market features a range of beautiful flowers for sale. Flowers were traditionally used to bring luck and prosperity into one's home in the New Year. Arts activities and performances by Chinese American artists will also take place. Location: Mulberry St., between Bayard and Worth. Feb. 16, 12-10 pm and Feb. 17, 10 am-6 pm.

Feb. 18, 11 am-3 pm - New Year's Day Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival - This traditional New Year practice is believed to scare away evil spirits. After opening ceremonies, a dozen Lion, Dragon and Unicorn dance troupes will march down the main streets of Chinatown. Location: Chatham Square (Intersection of Bowery, Mott and East Broadway).

Feb. 18, 3-5 pm - Lunar New Year Folk Arts Festival - The festival will feature Chinese, Indian and Tibetan Folk artists and musicians. Artists include a Chinese miniature dough figurine artist, Sumi Ink calligrapher, Indian Mahendi hand painting, Er Hu and Tibetan folk singing performances. For reservations, visit Art Spiral. Location: Asian American Arts Centre, 26 Bowery, 3rd Floor.

Feb. 18, 7 pm - Illuminations: Lunar New Year Fireworks Spectacular at Columbus Park - For the first time ever, Chinatown's skies will be lit with a colorful fireworks display by Grucci Brothers of July 4th fame. Location: Mulberry St., between Bayard and Worth.

Feb. 25, 1-5 pm - Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade - The largest winter parade on the East Coast, it features floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dancers, beauty queens, Asian musical performers, magicians, acrobats and elected officials. Over 5,000 individuals will participate in the parade. Major streets of Chinatown: Mott, East Broadway, Allen, Grand and Chrystie. Best viewing spot: Allen between Canal and Grand.

Red Lantern Discounts - Dozens of Chinatown merchants are offering discounts for a full month on everything from delicious baked goods and full-course meals, to unique souvenirs and fine paintings. Look for the red lantern with the Explore Chinatown logo outside participating shops and show the red coupon in the brochure. Click here to download.

Don't Forget Brooklyn is Close by too - Make a visit to the Asian American Women Artist Alliance's for their Lunar New Year events. Visit the Alliance for more information.