The Year of the Dragon has gotten off to a rather hot start.
The jubilant festivities ringing in the Year of the Dragon were almost ruined by Free Palestine protesters who tried to disrupt politicians’ speeches.
As big names including Sen. Chuck Schumer and Gov. Cathy Hochul lined up to address the crowd before the event began, a group of activists chanted “ceasefire now” and “Free Palestine” from a fire escape near the parade route. Do it!” he shouted.
Despite the group’s megaphone shouts, Paul and his friends quickly finished their speech, and a march began at the intersection of Mott and Hester Streets in Chinatown.
“The Chinese American community is the American Dream, a people who work hard, abide by the law, care about their children, and respect their elders,” Schumer told an audience of several thousand people.
This annual event attracted many participants from outside the city.
“Just to see the parade and celebrate. It’s a big parade. There’s nothing like this in Connecticut,” Julie Chan, a 28-year-old medical technician from New Haven, told the Post. .
“It’s great to feel the traditional culture. The celebration concludes with Lunar Fest. It’s great to see everyone come together and have a good time,” said Liu Li, a professor at the University at Albany.
The 2024 Lunar New Year Parade consisted of 18 floats and 100 marching bands.
Alexandra Lu, a 25-year-old game designer from Brooklyn, said she appreciated the variety of groups in the line.
“I appreciate that so many sectors are coming together. There were also LGBTQ groups and ‘Free Palestine’ groups,” she said of demonstrators holding Palestinian flags and banners behind one of the dragon displays. You mentioned the group. , According to a video shared on X.
Mayor Eric Adams arrived late and had just a few words to say to the crowd.
After giving a short greeting in Chinese, he said, “Enjoy the parade. Let’s go.”
Hizzoner briefly tried to join the march, but was quickly escorted out by the NYPD.
