Chinese Lunar New Year in New York City: 2007

Below information is copied from About.com's website :

Although it is always in January or February, the Chinese New Year does not fall on the same date each year. This year Chinese New Year begins on February 18, 2007 and lasts until March 4, 2007 It is the year of the Boar. If you're curious about the various animals and the years they represent the 12 animals of the Chinese calendar are explained well here.

Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival

Date: Sunday, February 18, 2007

Where: from 11-3 p.m. in Chatham Square (Intersection of Bowery, Mott & East Broadway)

The firecracker detonation, with expected attendance by local politicians and community leaders, is intended to ward off evil spirits.

From 11 am to 3 pm, a large stage will feature all-day cultural performances by traditional and contemporary Asian-American singers and dancers. Plus, a dozen lion, dragon and unicorn dance troupes will march through Chinatown’s main streets, including Mott Street, the Bowery, East Broadway, Bayard Street, Elizabeth Street and Pell Street.

Illuminations: Lunar New Year Fireworks Spectacular

Date: Sunday, February 18, 2007

Where: 7:00 pm in Columbus Park (Mulberry Street between Worth and Bayard Streets)

For the first time ever, the skies above Chinatown will be illuminated with a colorful and spectacular fireworks display by the Grucci Brothers of July 4th fame. Watch for the extraordinary “waterfall” effect, last performed over the Brooklyn Bridge in 1983.

Lunar New Year Flower Market

Friday, February 16th from 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.;

Saturday, February 17th from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: Columbus Park on Mulberry Street, between Bayard and Worth Streets (Subways: B,D to Grand Street; J,M,Z to Bowery)

Info: Please call 212-619-4785 for more information.

The Fourth Annual New York Lunar New Year Flower Market was held in a heated tent in Columbus Park over the weekend. The event has been growing in size over the last few years, but is primarily patronized by community members making the traditional flower purchases for celebrating the Lunar New Year. Performances and artist demonstrations throughout the event are also available to visitors enjoying the sights and smells of orange and plum blossoms, narcissus, chrysanthemums and other flowers traditionally recognized as symbols of prosperity and fortune for the New Year.

8th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade

The parade usually winds throughout Chinatown along Mott, Canal, and Bayard streets, and along East Broadway.

Time: 1-5 pm, Sunday, February 25, 2007

Place: Canal Street South

The spectacle features elaborate floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dances galore, Asian musicians, magicians, acrobats and procession by local organizations. Over 5,000 people are expected to march in the parade, which will start at Mott Street and promenade through practically every street in of Chinatown, finally dispersing at Worth Street. The parade is expected to conclude at 3:00 pm, at which time an outdoor cultural festival will take place on Bayard Street featuring more performances by musicians, dancers and martial artists.
Lantern Festival Children's Parade Date: Sunday, March 4, 2007 Details to come.

PS: Photos are taken during a chinese wedding in october 2006.