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.
Rich Iarossi is a full time licensed REALTOR®, working in Crofton, MD. My coverage areas are: Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Calvert, Queen Anne, and Baltimore City and County. I specialize in residential real estate, working with both buyers and sellers. Use the registration free search on my website at www.RichSellsHomes.com. If you’re not already working with a REALTOR®...I can help. Call me at 443-995-9595 (Cell) or 410-451-6255 (Office).
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"Prosperity through fortitude and hard work".
I can't think of a better way to describe what needs to be done in 2009.
It is not going to be easy, but it can be done.
What wonderful weather they had for the parade. I wish I had known about this ahead of time because my kids would have loved to have seen it.
Mark, You're right, it can be done if we all pull together towards the same goals.
Stacey Ann, Sorry you missed the parade. The kids would have loved it and the weather being so perfect was a bonus.
Hi Rich:
Looks like you had a nice time. Thanks for sharing the photos with us of this event...
Toula,
It was a great time yesterday. I joined a photography group on Meetup.com for my area and have been on a couple of these excursions.
Rich
Hi Richard
Great photo's looks like everyone was enjoying themselves.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
What a fun activity that must have been. Thanks for sharing the photos and the traditions. I love that... Ox is thought to be the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. since Ive been working really hard and I do have the sticktoitness then I will be prosperous! YEAH.. it almost feels like a guarantee. Thanks Rich
Rich...
There are a lot duds in Washington these daya!
Lou, It really was a great day for paradegoers.
Gail, We all make our own success...unless we're born into it.
Rich, You're right but this was a Giant Dud. Even for Washington, thats going some.
Thanks for taking us to the parade with you. You couldn't Photoshop that Starbucks out of there? LOL