Thousands gathered in D.C.’s Chinatown on Feb. 2 to celebrate the Lunar New Year, marking the Year of the Snake with lion dances, cultural performances and a firecracker finale.
Organized by the D.C. Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, the annual tradition drew spectators from across the area.
The Lunar New Year Parade has been a staple of D.C.’s Chinatown for over 65 years. This year, the National Museum of Asian Art’s Lunar New Year market on Feb. 1 added to the festivities, drawing thousands to the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building for live performances, food and arts and crafts.
“Every year, the community comes out stronger,” Janis Woodward, the museum’s public programs coordinator, told The Eagle. “We had over 10,000 people register, and it’s amazing to see so many cultural organizations come together to educate and celebrate.”
Beyond entertaining the community, the parade also highlighted local activism. Gary Sang, an organizer with the D.C.’s Save Chinatown Solidarity Network, stressed the importance of preserving the area’s small businesses and affordable housing.
“While this parade is a great attraction, we must raise awareness to the struggles of small businesses and low-income residents here,” Sang said. “There’s a lack of investment in preserving Chinatown’s identity while billionaire developers take over.”
The event featured a variety of performers, such as the Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe, which recently performed at American University’s Southeast Asia Student Network Lantern Pageant, the CCACC Youth Dragon Dance Team and the Tinkus Bolivian Dance Team.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recognized Jan. 29, 2025, as the beginning of the Year of the Snake on X.
“D.C. is a city of immigrants, and our Asian community deserves to be heard in Congress and beyond,” Ankit Jain, D.C.’s shadow senator, said during the parade.
At the Lunar New Year Market, more than 20 food vendors from across D.C., Maryland and Virginia offered diverse flavors from local favorites, including Anju, Chiko and Rose Ave Bakery. At the same time, artisans like Taeri Ceramics and Unni’s Closet showcased handmade goods and clothing.
A Filipino American, Woodward reflected on her deepened appreciation for the Lunar New Year.
“I didn’t grow up celebrating it, but hosting these festivals and working with groups like the Vietnam Society has been a great learning experience,” she said.
Visitors also explored the museum’s galleries, attending curator-led tours and conservation talks on ancient Chinese art.
Sang and other activists hope to use the momentum from this year’s celebrations to push for stronger policies that support small businesses and prevent further displacement in Chinatown.
“The influx of corporate businesses here is staggering — what’s the need for Chinese signs that aren’t even translated correctly?” Sang said, referencing a local Chick-fil-A. “We need real investment in this community, not just decorative nods to its history.”
This article was edited by Abigail Hatting, Maya Cederlund, Tyler Davis and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Ariana Kavoossi, Olivia Citarella, Sabine Kanter-Huchting and Hannah Langenfeld.
