Celebrate Chinese heritage at the Chinatown Golden Dragon Parade

Los Angeles is home to people of ethnicities from around the globe, and each child has a unique opportunity to celebrate their heritage as well as the heritage of their classmates, neighbors and friends. Traveling in and around metropolitan Los Angeles will bring you in touch with virtually any ethnicity, many firmly settled within their own geographical communities. Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Koreatown, Filipino Town, Olvera Street, Thai Town, Little Ethiopia, Little India, Little Armenia are just a few of the areas both well-known and indicative of the diversity.

2010 is the Year of the Tiger, so this February check out the Golden Dragon Parade and Festival in Chinatown to help our Chinese friends celebrate their heritage. The Chinese lion and dragon dancers promise to be vibrant and spectacular as usual, while booths with Asian food and goods and other entertainment will illustrate a rich cultural history.

Golden Dragon Parade and Festival

Los Angeles Chinatown
Along Broadway & Hill Street
Saturday, February 20, 2010
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

Since the mid-1980’s, the Golden Dragon Parade has expanded to include almost two dozen floats, multiple marching bands, government officials, various dignitaries, entertainers, local business leaders and cultural groups. The parade’s theme emphasizes ethnic diversity, Chinese Culture and exposure to Chinese-American businesses. The parade continues to be a rich and diverse experience for Angelenos of all ages and ethnicities.

The day of the Lunar New Year is the most celebrated holiday of the year for nearly 1.5 million persons of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese decent in Southern California. It is celebrated with colorful festivals, parades, and most importantly, large family gatherings. It is also a time when ancestors are fondly remembered and families give thanks for their blessings. Red packets of money (“Lai See” or “Hung Bao”) and firecrackers add fun and excitement to the Chinese New Year celebration.