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The Chinese New Year begins on January 26th, and this year, 2009, is year 4706 in the Chinese Calendar. This year is also the Year of the Ox. The Ox is thought to be the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work.

February 1st, the Chinese community in Washington, DC held their annual Chinese Day Parade. The parade began at the corner of H and 7th and wound around the community to end back up at the starting point. 

The weather was outstanding and the crowds were plentiful. The colors in the community and especially the parade were terrific. Red, a good luck symbol was in evidence in many ways.

The only minor irritation for the day was that the DC Fire Department cancelled the lighting of the Giant Firecracker. Everybody waited for about an hour and half and it was a dud. No explanation but I'm guessing they couldn't guarantee safety.

The Entrance Gate to Chinatown in Washington, DC. Corner of H St. and 7th.

Unknown Chinese officials parading on a beautiful day.

Colorful flags.

The first of many Dragons in the parade.

Multi person Dragon coming around corner.

There were many colorful costumes in evidence.

Friendly crowds on a beautiful winter day. Waiting here for the Giant Firecracker.

Chinese Elvis? That's purely a guess on my part.

Child pointing to the Giant Firecracker. Head above the crowd on her father's shoulders.

Beauty Queens always get to ride in a convertible.

Washington, DC is truly a multicultural city. Everybody enjoys a parade.

Dragons are popular in Chinese parades but they do take a lot of volunteers.

The year of the Ox.

Parades are tiring.