2017 Chinese New Year: Celebrating the Year of the Rooster

02/07/2017 | Grace Lennon |

Happy Year of the Rooster! The first day of the Lunar New Year celebration took place Saturday, Jan 28, and was a symbol to harken the start of spring! With Los Angeles boasting one of the most diverse Asian populations in the world, festivals and events across the city allowed for residents to celebrate the new year in style. Listed below are some of the city's most famous New Years events.

Chinese New Year Parade and Banner ; Photos by Grace Lennon

Disney California Adventure Park’s Celebrates Lunar New Year
Through Feb 5, Disney’s California Adventure Park boasted colorful Chinese New Year’s decorations, activities such as face painting and arts and crafts, and cultural entertainment. The park rolled out several Asian-inspired food stands, as well as a special Lunar New Year menu at Paradise Garden Grill.

Disney California Adventure Park; Photos By Grace Lennon

Also, before the daily “World of Color” water show, Mulan and Mushu appeared in a new pre-show called “Hurry Home,” which followed ‘Little Lantern’ on its way home to its family for the Lunar New Year. To view the World of Color pre-show, click on the following link:

118th Golden Dragon Parade
This year marks the 118th Annual Golden Dragon Parade, which kicked off at Hill and Ord Streets and concluded at Broadway and Cesar Chavez in Chinatown. One of L.A.’s longest-running events, the parade draws thousands of people each year to L.A.’s Chinatown for floats, lion and dragon processions, food and performances. Put on by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles, the parade was held Feb 4. For more information, visit http://www.lagoldendragonparade.com/.

118th Golden Dragon Parade ; Photos by Grace Lennon

Chinatown Central Plaza Festival
The Chinatown Central Plaza celebration brought multi-stage acts — from kung fu demonstrations to traditional music acts. East met West with food trucks, ping-pong, and a craft beer garden with local breweries. Families were also able to join in on the action with kid-friendly face painting, storytelling and paper folding.