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Chinatown Philadelphia
Honestly, didn't know what to expect on this one. First time covering a Lunar New Year Day Parade. Starting at 11 a.m., apparently, most of the crowd didn't check parade route. Waiting 1 block down, they ran when parade made a left. Did research in advance.
Unique experience... After speaking with someone, found out it is a very short parade. Point is to bless restaurants / other businesses for a prosperous year.
Safety top priority! With rolls (think firehouse rolled up) of firecrackers on the street / hanging from businesses, volunteers made sure the crowd was at a safe distance. I was able to get a front row view at one point. A few volunteers were making gestures to cover your eyes. Hey, when you are hit with projectiles from exploding firecrackers, does not get any better, very serious! Volunteers holding poles politely held crowd back at each stop. Yelling "Move back / Move back". Even though it was packed, did not observe any problems. Was there for about 1 1/2 hours. Plus, giving space showed respect for ritual / culture.
Needed to find out purpose of firecrackers / dragons dancing. Firecrackers: Scare bad spirits out / dispel bad spirits. Honestly, can't remember reason for dragons. I know, should have done research / future article. Trust me, glad I grew up in 70's / 80's (very loud Rock music). When firecrackers were going off, standing front row, very loud / very fast!
Main highlight: Due to crowd could not get good photos, Penn Lions' Dragons dancing. Experienced Penn Lions in '22 / Chinese Lantern Festival (Franklin Square / Philadelphia).
Experiencing new cultures is always a great experience. Especially if you approach it with an open mind / respect. Learning Philadelphia is very proud of every culture that makes the city unique. Chinese / Asian is no exception. '24 will cover Lunar New Year's Eve Parade. Can't wait to experience / photos / videos at night! Scroll down for video review / photos / video of firecrackers going off.
Unique experience... After speaking with someone, found out it is a very short parade. Point is to bless restaurants / other businesses for a prosperous year.
Safety top priority! With rolls (think firehouse rolled up) of firecrackers on the street / hanging from businesses, volunteers made sure the crowd was at a safe distance. I was able to get a front row view at one point. A few volunteers were making gestures to cover your eyes. Hey, when you are hit with projectiles from exploding firecrackers, does not get any better, very serious! Volunteers holding poles politely held crowd back at each stop. Yelling "Move back / Move back". Even though it was packed, did not observe any problems. Was there for about 1 1/2 hours. Plus, giving space showed respect for ritual / culture.
Needed to find out purpose of firecrackers / dragons dancing. Firecrackers: Scare bad spirits out / dispel bad spirits. Honestly, can't remember reason for dragons. I know, should have done research / future article. Trust me, glad I grew up in 70's / 80's (very loud Rock music). When firecrackers were going off, standing front row, very loud / very fast!
Main highlight: Due to crowd could not get good photos, Penn Lions' Dragons dancing. Experienced Penn Lions in '22 / Chinese Lantern Festival (Franklin Square / Philadelphia).
Experiencing new cultures is always a great experience. Especially if you approach it with an open mind / respect. Learning Philadelphia is very proud of every culture that makes the city unique. Chinese / Asian is no exception. '24 will cover Lunar New Year's Eve Parade. Can't wait to experience / photos / videos at night! Scroll down for video review / photos / video of firecrackers going off.
Video Review (above)
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