Lunar New Year Celebration kicks off 'Year of the Ox' in New York City

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Friday, February 12, 2021
Lunar New Year celebration kicks off in NYC
The celebration is being held at the American Legion Kimlau Memorial Square in Chatham Square by East Broadway in Chinatown.

CHINATOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- The 22nd NYC Lunar New Year Celebration Firecrackers Festival is kicking off the Year of the Ox!

The celebration is being held at the American Legion Kimlau Memorial Square in Chatham Square by East Broadway in Chinatown.

Watch the 22nd NYC Lunar New Year Celebration Firecrackers Festival opening ceremony

The festival lasts around 40 days, and in China, the country observes a seven-day-long state holiday.

The Chinese Zodiac, a system that has existed in Chinese culture for more than 2,000 years, dictates which animal represents a given year.

The cycle repeats every 12 years, and 2021 is the Year of the Ox.

Different characteristics are assigned to each animal, and this is traditionally used to determine fortune.

It's the Year of the Ox!

The ox, for example, is associated with hard work and serenity, according to the Associated Press.

Here are the 12 zodiac animals in order with accompanying years:

  • 2022: Year of the Tiger
  • 2023: Year of the Rabbit
  • 2024: Year of the Dragon
  • 2025: Year of the Snake
  • 2026: Year of the Horse
  • 2027: Year of the Goat
  • 2028: Year of the Monkey
  • 2029: Year of the Rooster
  • 2030: Year of the Dog
  • 2031: Year of the Pig
  • 2032: Year of the Rat
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