The popping sound of noisemakers, the melt-in-your-mouth feel of dumplings — both signs that it is officially Chinese Lunar New Year.

Every year, Downtown Los Angeles closes its streets to car traffic and opens its heart  to Southern California’s diverse population. Activities such as hoop diving and musical art helped visitors of the 113th Downtown Los Angeles Chinese New Year Parade take advantage of an opportunity to celebrate a thousand-year-old tradition in their own backyards. This year is also especially lucky for people born in a previous Year of the Dragon.

According to Chinese tradition, dragons are seen as a symbol of power and are “doers.” In keeping with tradition, much was done in preparation for celebration of the year of the dragon. This year’s Chinese New Year Parade paid homage to the dragon with hundreds of effigies of the reptile displayed on every corner of the parade route.

Vibrant colors and confetti decorated the historic – and always busy – Broadway Street where visitors anxiously awaited the start of the parade. Noise poppers and shouts of “Happy New Year” in various Chinese dialects, including Mandarin and Cantonese, added to the excitement. Also building in the atmosphere were the jubilant greetings of Southern Californians as they smiled at each other and waved at the parade.

L.A. resident Eric Rosien said he enjoyed the excitement that was generated by both the crowd and the members of the parade. Rosien said the firecrackers especially stood out to him and he enjoyed the parade in general. “There’s a lot of energy (at the parade),” said Rosien. “There’s a lot to take in actually.”

Many local leaders of the L.A. community gathered to greet the more than 4,000 visitors to the parade. Local bands, cheerleaders and martial arts groups also joined in on the fun. Ruby Arredondo’s 6-year-old daughter was among the spectators, enjoying her first visit to the Chinese New Year Parade. “(She enjoyed) everything,” said Arredondo. “She was right in front … playing with the poppers.”
Olvera Street, which is just a few blocks from Chinatown, also joined in on the celebration, hosting events of its own, such as musicians and dancers. Local visitors from varying backgrounds joined in for the celebration.

“I think it’s a cultural experience,” says Carlos Castillo, a teacher in the L.A. area. “(I am) not Chinese, but it’s always important in a multi-cultural city like L.A. to be exposed to all the cultures in L.A.”

Among the smell of dim sum and tea houses, visitors enjoyed not only a celebration of a singular culture, but of their community.