Orlando, Fla. — Although Chinese New Year is not a typical thing you see celebrated here in Florida, that's not stopping the city of Orlando from joining in the celebration of the Year of the Pig.
2019, which according to the Chinese Zodiac is the Year of the Pig, marks the 8th annual Central Florida Dragon Parade and Lunar New Year Festival held in Orlando.
This year's parade takes place at 728 North Thornton Avenue. It will start at 11 am the corner of Lake Highland Drive and North Mills Avenue and will end at North Thornton Avenue and East Colonial Drive. The parade comes ahead of the festival, which is led by City of Orlando and Orange County leaders, teaming up with representatives of numerous Asian organizations.
This holiday is also used an occasion for celebrating families to reunite and honor their ancestors. Families partaking may even do a "spring" cleaning to their house to get rid of any bad fortune.
Following the parade will be four hours of the Lunar Festival, which will feature good wholesome entertainment such as dragon dancing, martial arts, taiko drummers, arts and crafts, and of course, food glorious food!
If you are new to the experience, here is a preview of last year’s parade: