Golden Dragon Parade for Chinese New Year held in LA Chinatown

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The 120th annual Golden Dragon Parade took place on Saturday in Chinatown in Los Angeles, drawing tens of thousands of people to the Chinese New Year celebration with floats and marching bands.

This year's parade featured two dozen floats, multiple marching bands, Chinese and U.S. officials, entertainers, local business leaders and cultural groups. Lion and dragon dancers, as well as Miss Chinatown and celebrity grand marshals, paraded on streets crowded with people. The colorful celebration has become the premier cultural event of the Asian American Community in southern California.

Dragon dancers perform at the 120th annual Golden Dragon Parade in Los Angeles, February 9, 2019. / VCG Photo

The parade focusing on Chinese culture and exposure to Chinese-American businesses continues to be part of a rich and diverse experience for Angelenos of all ages and ethnicities, said the organizers.

"It is the commitment of this organization to celebrate the rich heritage and cultural roots of where this business community comes from," wrote the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles on its official website.

A participant takes a selfie during the 120th annual Golden Dragon Parade in Los Angeles, February 9, 2019. /VCG Photo

"With a history of over 100 years, the annual Golden Dragon Parade has witnessed the rising of the social status of Chinese Americans in the United States," said George Tao, a local Chinese community leader.

The event also promotes Chinese culture to the mainstream U.S. society and friendship between the two peoples, he added.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency