WASHINGTON 鈥� Folks lined the streets of downtown D.C. Sunday afternoon to celebrate Chinese New Year. It was a community affair to ring in the year of the pig, which represents wealth, fun and good fortune.
A crowd several rows deep packed the streets around the Friendship Archway in Chinatown. People stood on bus stop benches, clustered by restaurant entryways and huddled together behind metal stanchions to watch the parade.
A gathering for an afternoon of community and celebration of Chinese New Year 鈥� The Yearod the Pig 鈥� which represents wealth, fun, and good fortune.
鈥� Liz Anderson (@PlanetNoun)
The parade and ceremony was hosted by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association 鈥� an umbrella group which represents 30 Chinese-American organizations across the D.C. area.
A procession of city officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser and several city council members, led the parade, followed by a dozens of area community clubs and educational organizations.
One group also carried enlarged photos to honor Chinese Americans who served in World War II.
It was a frigid afternoon, but the low temperatures didn鈥檛 stop celebrants from braving the cold to watch the fireworks.
鈥� Liz Anderson (@PlanetNoun)
Fernando, who declined to give his last name, came with his family from Northern Virginia to take part in Sunday鈥檚 huge party. It was his first time attending.
鈥淚t鈥檚 fun, it鈥檚 fun,鈥� Fernando said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a little cold,鈥� he added with a smile.
He said he鈥檒l be back next year.
