Virgin de Guadelupe Parade

This parade was rambling down Broadway beneath the J/M train at the Marcy Ave. stop at the foot of the Williamsburg bridge. Elaborate masks and costumes, live music and lots of people marching in plain clothes behind the truck decorated with balloons and the image of the Virgen de Guadelupe. I wish I had time to stop and see the whole thing, I caught this by chance on my way to work at 9:30 this Saturday morning!

The Virgin de Guadelupe is one of the strongest images in mexican culture, she is said to be the "Mother to all of Mexico". The official day in her honor is December 12th. Read more about her here.

NYC Lunar New Year Parade 2010

The Lunar New Year Parade celebrating the Year of the Tiger meandered around the narrow streets of Chinatown yesterday. Confetti shooters have replaced firecrackers but many dragons were there to chase the evil spirits and bad luck out for the new year. The Tiger is supposed to be aggressive and hot headed yet sympathetic. How will these traits work in these uncertain times?This years parade was somewhat historic as gay and lesbian groups were welcomed to march in the parade. I hope one day that the organizers of the St. Patrick's Day parade follow their example and stop being so hateful and pigheaded and do the same.I suppose this may be the Tigers influence?

The International Beauty School float.
Verizon? There were corporate floats but all were pretty homespun. All and all the parade had good vibes and most certainly brought some much needed business to Chinatown. Happy New Year!