Thousands of people gathered in New York’s Chinatown to celebrate the arrival of the Lunar New Year this Sunday (10.22.2023), under the watchful eye of the police, following the deadly shooting in California.
Fireworks, dancing dragons and other traditional elements with which they usually celebrate this important date took place in the so-called Chinatown of Manhattan, where there were uniformed and civilian police officers.
The celebration follows the shooting, which occurred on Saturday night in a dance hall in Monterey Park, regarding 13 kilometers east of Los Angeles, which caused 10 deaths and 10 injuries.
The tragedy did not prevent thousands from flocking to New York’s traditional Chinatown for this celebration, which is expected every year by New Yorkers, although some doubted it.
“I thought regarding it before I came here,” Crystal, who joined the celebration to welcome the Year of the Rabbit, told ABC channel 7.
New York Mayor Eric Adams regretted what happened and noted that New Yorkers “are in prayer for those who lost their lives and those who were injured.”
“Waking up with that was really difficult. But this year is the year of hope, of the rabbit, so we must come together as a community to show strength and solidarity,” said state assemblywoman Grace Lee, of Korean origin.
The Chinese community’s celebrations for the start of the Year of the Rabbit will continue in the coming days and the 25th annual Lunar New Year parade will be held on Sunday, February 12 in Chinatown.
jc (efe, ABC7NY)
