Hop to it for New Year in Chinatown

Come ring in the Lunar New Year and “blow away the cobwebs” (除旧布新) as Los Angeles welcomes the Year of the Rabbit. According to the Chinese zodiac, rabbits defy the law of averages by being uniformly articulate, talented and ambitious. But no matter what your sign or personal attributes, you’ll be welcomed at upcoming celebrations downtown.

This year’s don’t-miss festivities include the 112^th Annual Golden Dragon Parade and the Nite n’ Day Festival. Parade floats and dragons will romp through Chinatown on February 5 at 1 p.m., ending with a fireworks display. Organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, parade activities include arts & crafts workshops, face painting, candy sculpture and a ping-pong tournament.  More than 110,000 spectators are expected to line the parade route.

The following weekend’s Nite n’ Day Festival, organized by the Los Angeles Firecracker Run Committee, is set in Chinatown’s Central Plaza at 927 North Broadway.  It will take place on Saturday, Feb.12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The music, dancing, and entertainment are free, and vendors will supply a variety of culinary delights.

For active types, a traditional Lion Dance and the lighting of 100,000 firecrackers will mark the beginning of the 33^rd Annual Firecracker 5/10k Run at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13. Be sure to arrive early for registration and a 7:30 a.m. warm-up with the Laker Girls.  The Kiddie Run starts at 9:45 a.m. For cyclists, a scenic Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 9:00 a.m., with registration starting at 7:30 a.m.  A full schedule of events is available here. All runs and rides benefit nonprofit organizations, so register and lace ‘em up to support the community. 

There will be street closures and crowds, so use Metro’s convenient trip planner to travel without hassle. Get off at the Chinatown stop of the Metro Gold Line and you will be just steps from the fun.

In joining the holiday celebration, you will be participating in a rich tradition that dates back to about 2600 B.C. Whether you attend or not, “congratulations and prosperity” (恭喜发财) to all of you in the year 4708!

Posted 2/3/11