Chinatown in Los Angeles is not just about colorful gates, delightful dim sum, and historical temples. It also hosts the annual Golden Dragon Parade — a celebration marking the start of the Chinese New Year. This spectacular event draws thousands of visitors eager to immerse themselves in cultural heritage and celebrate the beginning of the new lunar year.
Lunar New Year is a significant holiday for 1.5 million people of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese descent in Southern California. It is celebrated with colorful festivals, parades, and most importantly, large family gatherings. It is also a time when ancestors are lovingly remembered, and families express their gratitude.
Chinatown is a must-visit spot in Los Angeles for tourists. Those visiting during the Chinese New Year are in for a special treat. Chinatown during the Lunar New Year showcases the neighborhood in all its glory. All local shops and restaurants are brightly decorated and ready to welcome guests.
What is the Golden Dragon Parade?
- The parade features marching troops, dance groups, small mobile platforms, and people in traditional and national costumes.
- Dragons of all colors, shapes, and sizes parade through the route.
- Brightly colored and decorated dragons symbolize power and luck in Chinese culture.
- Shops along the streets offer a variety of festival souvenirs.
What to do at the parade
Hunting for banners symbolizing prosperity and success is the main theme of the Lunar New Year celebration. And bamboo plants can be taken home, attracting luck into your home and life. Wherever you turn, the streets and shops are fragrant with traditional Chinese food and scents. Stop for dinner at any of the local cafes, some of which have been around for decades.
Confectioneries, phytotherapy shops, and clothing boutiques are everywhere. In any direction, you see amusing trinkets, hats, fans, and umbrellas for sale. After all, the Golden Dragon Parade is a great time to immerse yourself in Chinese culture.
History of the parade
Lunar New Year is a time in Chinese culture dedicated to family and traditions. A time that brings prosperity and marks the beginning of spring. Fireworks are a common theme of the celebration. Sounds of fireworks fill the air as children run through the streets of Chinatown in anticipation of the start of the Golden Dragon Parade. But originally, the parade was not held on Lunar New Year and was not organized by Chinese. It was called La Fiesta de Los Angeles, and since the late 19th century, its creators were looking for a way to advertise the city as a land of progress and generosity. Such celebrations were also a chance to compensate for the city's image, which had been tarnished by racist violence against Chinese immigrants.
As one of the main events of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles, the Golden Dragon Parade passed through the old streets of Chinatown every year since 1899. Confetti, colorful dragons, and the unmistakable sound of the erhu (Chinese violin) work together to create a cultural spectacle. After the Chinese Chamber of Commerce was established in the mid-1950s, it took over the planning of the parade. The result was the version that viewers know today—with famous marches, pompous costumes, and mobile platforms. After the Vietnam War in 1975, Indochinese refugees entered the United States and soon became active in the community. Local family associations, Buddhist temples, and community organizations grew, and the parade became even more well-known.
In the 1970s, actor and martial arts master Bruce Lee was the grand marshal of the parade. Since then, other marshals have included David Carradine, Keye Luke, Kieu Chinh, and Garrett Wang. Over the years, many other celebrities have also participated in the Golden Dragon Parade.
Additional Information
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Address
977 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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Phone
+ 1-213-617-0396
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Web site
| Address | 977 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012 |
| Phone | + 1-213-617-0396 |
| Web site |
One of the best things about Los Angeles is the city's multicultural nature. Celebrating traditional Chinese culture right in someone's proverbial backyard is just one of many examples of what makes Los Angeles so unique.
Visit the annual Golden Dragon Parade, and let American Butler help you experience it.
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