By Shirley Ng, AsAmNews Staff Writer
Under a bright sunny sky, Chinatown celebrated Lunar New Year, Year of the Tiger with the annual Firecracker Ceremony at Sara D. Roosevelt Park.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams was joined by Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, District 1 Council Member Christopher Marte, and District 2 Council Member Carolina Rivera to wish Chinatown a Happy Lunar New Year. If you are a true Knicks fan, you might have been delighted to recognize John Wallace, #44 also wishing Chinatown Happy New Year and was autographing photos. The ceremony also included entertainment with cultural dance and singing. View the slide show below.
The tiger is one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, but the new year is celebrated by many other Asian countries, but Lunar New Year is called, “Tet” by the Vietnamese. Those who are born during this year are looked upon as brave, a good leader and able to face challenges, but they also want attention.
The firecracker ceremony started shortly after noon with a flick of a switch by Mayor Adams. Loud crackling sounds began immediately in the distance in a secured area by the NYPD. Hundreds of onlookers watched the several long strings of firecrackers crackle with flashes of light as smoke fill the air. Firecrackers are used to ward off evil spirits at the start of a new year. Some people light them on their birthday, when they purchase a new home or for other celebratory reasons. We are looking forward to a great roaring Year of The Tiger.
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Glad to see firecrackers are allowed in NYC Chinatown again.