Chinese New Year Parade 2011 | Year of the Rabbit
Sandwiched between the two most ferocious animals of the Chinese zodiac (the Tiger and the Dragon), this year we welcome the Year of the Rabbit at the Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown. New York State and City politicians gathered to send off the parade in grand political style, with Senator Chuck Schumer joined by Comptroller John Liu, Carolyn Maloney and a parade float full of other legislators dropped by to offer happy new year wishes, and who we are convinced just couldn't resist the opportunity to shoot a confetti gun into the sky and feed a dragon New Year lettuce.
A rabbit year is characterized by gentleness, wisdom and tranquility, and to celebrate the rabbit's special qualities the North Shore Animal League participated in this year's parade, bringing up the rear of colorful dragon dancers and good luck wishes with a giant Bunny Truck. Families were encouraged to drop by and "adopt a bunny"—we're guessing it's harder to adopt a tiger, and adopting a rat probably doesn't go down so well with New Yorkers.
