NYC’s ‘historic’ Chinese lunar new year parade lights up streets

The special Chinese year of the wood snake is about transformation and change — and those celebrating it in Manhattan’s Chinatown on Sunday said even the downpour couldn’t dampen their hopes for it.

“It’s a new year. A new starting point. New energy. A new beginning. Every year you get a chance for a new beginning,” said Lena Tan, 60, who danced in the parade with East Culture Art Inc. to usher in the beginning of the lunar new year.

Paul Gordon, 48, who turned out for the parade with his Filipino-Chinese wife and family as they they do every year, added, “The first year ever in 15 years that I have seen so much rain.

“I look forward to this parade,” he said. “I look forward to the good food, to seeing the community coming together, everybody bonding over the same thing. It’s nice to see everyone coming together.”

“Last year we had the biggest crowd. This year we still got a good crowd with the rain,” Gordon said.

Even as the rain fell, the parade’s marchers carried on beneath ponchos and umbrellas, while viewers lining the narrow sidewalks crowded under awnings to try to keep dry.

The rain finally cleared by mid-afternoon, and the rest of the parade went off without a hitch.

“I am excited to be here, rain or shine,” said city Councilman Christopher Marte, whose district includes Chinatown.

“It’s a historic event that happens every year here in Chinatown, and it’s great to see so many people out here in the rain,” he said.

Sunday’s celebration kicked off the year of the snake — although more specifically, the wood snake, which hasn’t come around since 1965. The regular year of the snake occurs every 12 years.

The year of the wood snake is supposed to be a year of change and upheaval — but one that can be positive and bring about transformation.