Chinatown Hosts Lunar New Year Parade
Thousands are gathering in Chicago's Chinatown today for the annual Lunar New Year celebration. The event, organized by the Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation, features a large-scale parade, traditional performances, and numerous cultural displays.
The public celebration of Lunar New Year in Chicago dates back over a century, with the modern version of the parade being formalized in the 1970s. Tens of thousands of visitors typically attend the festivities each year. The parade route traditionally begins at 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue, proceeding north towards the viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth. This year ushers in the Year of the Horse, a symbol of vitality, confidence, and bold new beginnings in the Chinese zodiac. The celebration in Chicago is one of the largest in the Midwest, reflecting a rich history of Chinese culture in the city that began with the first permanent Chinese settler, T.C. Moy, in 1870. Chicago's Chinatown has shown remarkable growth, unlike Chinatowns in some other major U.S. cities. The area's population has continued to expand, with over a third of Chicago's Chinese population residing in this enclave. This growth is supported by over 400 businesses, which see a significant economic boost during the Lunar New Year celebrations. The parade itself is a vibrant display of culture, featuring traditional dragon and lion dances, which are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. These are accompanied by colorful floats, marching bands, and various cultural performances. In previous years, the parade has featured as many as 56 different performing groups, including 10 marching bands. Beyond the parade, Chicago offers other Lunar New Year festivities, including a celebration in the Uptown neighborhood on Argyle Street, known as Asia on Argyle. Luxury hotels and restaurants across the city often participate with special menus and events, mirroring a trend seen in high-end hospitality worldwide where Lunar New Year is marked by exclusive dining experiences, from traditional Cantonese feasts at Michelin-starred restaurants to themed afternoon teas. The celebration's deep roots in Chicago trace back to the late 19th century, when the first Chinese community formed near the Loop. The community later relocated south to its current location around 1912 due to rising rents and a need for more space. This strategic move has been credited with protecting the neighborhood from the gentrification that has affected other Chinatowns.
