Flushing, Queens — home to the largest Chinatown in New York City and one of the fastest-growing Chinese populations outside of Asia, according to the Queens Chamber of Commerce — held its annual Lunar New Year parade last weekend. On Saturday, February 1, three days after the Lunar New Year, residents of Flushing gathered to ring in the Year of the Snake. A parade of floats, local Queens businesses, dancers, and dragons wound its way down Main Street and Union Street, beginning on 39th and Union in front of the 109th Police Precinct.

A performer peers out of a white lion puppet. Similar to the dragon dance, the lion dance is often performed on Lunar New Year to bring luck and good fortune. It is distinguished by its two dancers, as opposed to the several who often operate dragon puppets.

A yellow lion puppet stares down the camera, flanked by friends.

Parade participants in lotus costumes wave to spectators.

A hand reaches past red and gold balloons into the confetti-filled sky. These are the primary colors representing the Lunar New Year, representing luck and prosperity.

A performer operates a pink dragon puppet, peering out of the head.

Parade Grand Marshal Peter Tu, executive director of the Flushing Chinese Business Association.

Packages of confetti cannons stacked next to an already-used pile.

A police officer on horseback. The parade this year was led by the 109th Precinct, including an all-officer band.

A performer, operating the head of a blue dragon puppet. 

These elaborate works of art are typically operated by multiple performers, handling sticks attached to the body of the puppet which help to mimic the movement of the mythological creature. Moving in choreographed spirals through the streets, these dragons stand as a national symbol of China believed to bring luck in the new year.

A yellow dragon puppet rears its head.

Blue and gold banners, reading ‘Da fa,’ held by members of the organization Falun Dafa.

A young parade attendee dressed in red and white stares past boxes of confetti cannons.

The parade was attended by many families and people of all ages. Members of the parade included Governor of New York Kathy Hochul and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, various Flushing businesses (including a youth Taekwondo group kicking their way down the street), and many community representatives. The festivities reflected the vibrancy of the Flushing community and set a joyful tone for the new year.

Additional reporting by Megan Liu and Dove Williams