More dragons than dogs were in Chinatown’s celebration and parade yesterday for the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dog.
Thousands of watchers packed H Street Northwest, and pedestrians had to squeeze diplomatically and slowly through spectators on the sidewalks.
They — and even most of the paraders — wore coats and gloves as shields against 40-degree temperatures and a constant wind that kept the rope of red, white and blue balloons floating like an arch above H Street near a five-story crane dangling thousands of firecrackers.
The Ballou Senior High School Marching Knights majorettes braved the cold, though, smiling brightly as drums signaled the parade start.
“Happy New Year,” exclaimed speakers on a podium at the end of the parade route, sometimes in Chinese. The thousands of spectators and celebrants responded, “Happy New Year” in English.
“Make the Year of the Dog the best year ever,” said James Wang, chairman of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA).
“I’m happy to see the thousands of people here. It’s a great new year,” said D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams. His voice dropped in tone as he said, “This is my last Chinese New Year as mayor.”
Mr. Williams introduced Duane Wang, chairman of the Chinatown Steering Committee, as “mayor of Chinatown.”
“I hope that in this year … the world will be more peaceful,” Mr. Wang said.
The new year — the year 4703, according to the Chinese calendar — actually began Jan. 29.
The parade began at 2 p.m. in front of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association at Sixth and I streets Northwest. CCBA officers and members passed out 20,000 U.S. and Chinese flags before the parade began.
“This is a happy day. No politics,” said Helen McCarthy, 68, of Silver Spring, who is vice president of CCBA.
Still, there were signs carried in the parade for several candidates for mayor and D.C. City Council.
Participants also included 40 students and instructors from the Jow Ga Kung Fu Athletic Association of Columbia, Md., and 35 women and five men in billowing yellow suits and turbans who danced in rhythm to drums under their arms and the clang of cymbals.
People in furry costumes masqueraded as a dog, tiger, monkey, goat, horse, bear and rooster.
Young women paraded in long gowns of green, pink, red and yellow, and marched onto the stage in front of the speakers.
Six colorful dragons paraded, including a leader that was as long as the other five together. It wove from side to side across the street.
The parade and program ended when the dragons, Mr. Williams and other speakers plowed through spectators to the crane where the fireworks were ignited.
The blasts continued for nearly 20 minutes.
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