Chinese New Year parade in Boston

Troops of colorful lion dancers, drums, cymbals and firecrackers took over Chinatown Sundayfor the annual Chinese Near Year Parade.

Wind and snow grounded the dragon dances this year, but couldn’t stop the parade, whichwoundits traditional display around Kneeland Street, Essex Street, Harrison Ave, and several smaller side streets.

The parade stepped off at 11 a.m., but the festivities, feasts and more carried on well into the afternoon.

The parade marks the biggest annual celebration inBoston’s Chinatown, home to the third largest Chinese community in the U.S. In China, this celebration is known as theSpring Festivalbecause it marks the beginning of warmer weather.

Chinese New Year begins on thefirst day of the first monthin the traditional lunar calendar, which fallson a date between January 21 and February 20.

The lion dancesare believed todrive away evil spirits andbring good luck, and are the perfect way to start the New Year.