The air reverberated with the crackle of firecrackers and the echoing cadence of drumbeats and gongs. Amidst the bustling and vibrant ambience, hundreds converged in Chinatown on Sunday, Feb. 18, to usher in the Year of the Dragon with the annual lion dance parade hosted by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England. Around 10 a.m., the celebration unfolded with various groups of performers winding their way through the streets, enveloping the community in jubilation.
Mayor Michelle Wu and city officials joined the crowd to revel in the performances. In her remarks, Wu thanked the audience for their presence and support of the local community.
“We are so excited to see everyone here,” said Wu. “This might be the biggest one that we’ve had in many many years, so thank you so much for joining us.”
With each stop, crowds of all ages encircled the performers, eager to witness the lion and dragon dances. Lion dancers from local cultural organizations, kung fu clubs, dance troupes, and Chinese schools embarked on a synchronized march across multiple locations, bringing the festivities directly to the doorsteps of businesses throughout Chinatown and offering them the fortune for prosperity in the coming year. The lions are created by a duo of dancers, one controlling the head and the other the back, with a procession of attendants, drummers, and cymbalists following them. Businesses prepared offerings to “feed” the lions, commonly oranges and cabbages, which the lions threw and smashed to symbolize spreading good luck. At the end of the ceremony and dance, firecrackers were lit on the ground to chase away evil spirits.