Annual firecracker ceremony in Chinatown kicks off Lunar New Year

NEW YORK CITY, New York (WABC) -- A spectacular kickoff to Lunar New Year got underway in Chinatown on Tuesday afternoon.

The 28th annual Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival was held in Sara D. Roosevelt Park.

The fireworks are set off to scare away bad spirits.

Dancers, dressed as the animals of the Chinese New Year also performed.

This year marks the Year of the Horse, symbolizing independence, energy and rapid, transformative change.

WABC-TV is a proud sponsor of the NYC Lunar Year Parade and Festival. You will be able to watch the parade live on abc7NY.com, our mobile and connected TV apps, and social media platforms on Sunday, March 1 starting at 1:00 p.m.

ALSO READ | Lunar New Year: Galloping into the Year of the Fire Horse

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