If you’re interested in celebrating the Lunar New Year right here in D.C. then you’re in luck! This year, the lunar calendar enters the year 4722 which happens to be the Year of the Dragon in terms of the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle.
This Sunday, February 11th, at 2 pm, D.C. is celebrating the Lunar New Year as we enter the Year of the Dragon with a parade through D.C.’s Chinatown district.
Everything you need to know about the D.C. Lunar New Year Parade
The first thing to note, along with the date and time of the celebration mentioned above, is that the parade is going to be held rain or shine! Now, while the weather report for this upcoming Sunday seems like it will only be cloudy with low chance of rain, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be here.
The parade start at 2 pm on Sunday and will last around an hour, beginning at the corner of Eye St. and 6th St. and concluding with a live firecracker show at the corner of H St. and 6th St! Along with the firecracker show attendees are encouraged to stick around and visit and support some of the local Asian businesses to taste and experience some of the authentic traditions and treats associated with the holiday.
The secret to enjoying the D.C. Lunar New year Parade
- You should definitely plan on arriving at the parade site before the 2 pm start time to ensure you can find vantage point that works for you and those that you are viewing the parade with.
- The best way to get to the parade area is by taking Metro to Gallery Place Chinatown, which is bring you just about directly to the starting area of the parade.
- Dress for the weather, what that exactly means will depend on the day itself as D.C. weather is not exactly very predictable, but as of right now the weather for this Sunday afternoon is expected to be cloudy and hover around the low 60s to high 50s.
- Note that the firecracker show is expected to start around 3:45 and 4 pm, following the parade and like a few words from some of the Parade’s hosts and VIP guests.