Three Shots, LaForce

02.10.19 Lunar New Year Parade 

The Friendship Arch in Washington D.C.'s Chinatown frames the setting for the 2019 Lunar New Year Parade hosted by the D.C. Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs and Mayor Bowser. The event features traditional and colorful performances such as lion dance, a Kung Fu exhibition, and is capped off with an exciting firecracker finale. 

Hundreds of people gather along H Street in Chinatown to observe the 2019 Lunar New Year Parade, the Year of the Pig. The parade features a diverse collection of performances and groups, including 

DC’s Different Drummers, Miss Corporate USA DC Queen, Girl Scouts of America, and Chinese American US Military Veterans.

Parade-goers use smartphones to capture the exciting firecracker finale and Lion dance. The Lion dance is one of the most important traditions performed at the Chinese Lunar New Year. This tradition is believed to bring prosperity and good luck for the upcoming year. 

A police officer from the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia checks his cell phone while there is a break in-between the parade action. Numerous police officers were in attendance to keep the crowds controlled and safe, especially during the firecracker finale. 

A detail shot of one of the metal banners that line the streets in Washington D.C.'s Chinatown. For the Lunar New Year celebration, colorful pendant string flags were strung up along the parade route.