Gallery: The 119th Annual Golden Dragon Parade
By Daily Bruin Staff
Feb. 19, 2018 4:50 p.m.
The 119th annual Golden Dragon Parade made its way through Chinatown in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday to celebrate Lunar New Year.
(Laura Uzes/Daily Bruin)
Rep. Judy Chu, the first Chinese-American woman ever elected to Congress, waves to parade spectators.
(Laura Uzes/Daily Bruin)
Rep. Jimmy Gomez thrilled the crowds by setting off handheld confetti cannons. These confetti cannons and other firecrackers are traditionally used to scare away evil spirits.
(Laura Uzes/Daily Bruin)
Everly Anne Gold sits on her mother's shoulders as the parade marches by. During Lunar New Year, it is very common to wear red clothing. The color red is supposed to keep evil spirits away.
(Laura Uzes/Daily Bruin)
In Chinese tradition, the lion symbolizes good luck. Because of this, lion dances are a staple at large events such as Lunar New Year.
(Laura Uzes/Daily Bruin)
The parade featured many musical and dance performances. While most performances reflected Chinese culture, high school bands and traditional Mexican dancers also performed.
(Laura Uzes/Daily Bruin)
While the LAPD and the LA County Sheriff's Department patrolled the event, some officers could not pass up the opportunity to march in the parade themselves. An officer of the LA County Sheriff's Department carries a sign that reads ''lots of luck and profits.''
(Laura Uzes/Daily Bruin)
Typically each lion consists of two dancers. They preform to the sounds of drums, gongs and cymbals.
(Laura Uzes/Daily Bruin)
The dragon dance is a traditional dance in Chinese culture. Dragons are an important symbol in China and represent good luck.
(Laura Uzes/Daily Bruin)
Third-year computer science student Michelle Lam hands a red envelope, or ''lai see,'' filled with money to a lion. Giving money in red envelopes in a common tradition of the Lunar New Year.
(Laura Uzes/Daily Bruin)
Each Lunar New Year is marked by one of 12 zodiac animals. Because 2018 is the year of the dog, many participants brought their dogs to celebrate at the parade.
(Laura Uzes/Daily Bruin)
LGBTQ groups marched in the parade, advocating for equality for LGBTQ Asian-Americans.
