Chicago’s Chinatown Celebrates Year of the Snake with Vibrant Lunar New Year Parade

Hundreds gathered to enjoy cultural performances, traditional dances, and festive foods in a celebration of community and heritage.

The Lunar New Year Parade in Chicago's Chinatown featured dragon and lion dances, marching bands, and colorful floats along Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road.
This year marks the Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, as part of the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle celebrated during the 15-day Lunar New Year festival.
Attendees, including first-time visitors, were drawn to the vibrant traditional clothing, authentic foods, and opportunities to learn about Chinese culture and traditions.
The event, hosted by the Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation, also saw participation from local officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, and highlighted the neighborhood's rich history.
Similar Lunar New Year celebrations, including parades and cultural activities, took place in other cities, emphasizing the importance of promoting cultural understanding and community engagement.