Overview
- On Feb. 17, Manhattan’s Chinatown held a late-night “Midnight Madness” procession featuring lions dancing over a long stream of firecrackers just after midnight.
- Performers set off from the Athletic Club at 211 Canal Street and marched to the Chinese Freemasons Association at 22 Mott Street.
- The 28th annual Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival drew hundreds at Sara D. Roosevelt Park, running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Chrystie and Grand Streets.
- Lion and dragon rituals included dotting the dragon’s eye and feeding it lettuce to symbolize wealth and good fortune.
- Families celebrated with sparklers, confetti, toy horses, knitted dragon hats, and red envelopes to welcome the new year.