Mar

The Smithsonian celebrates the Year of the Dragon

According to Chinese astrology, the lunar Year of the Dragon is expected to be a time of visionary leaders, innovators and problem solvers. It’s also predicted to be a great year to start new projects and explore new opportunities. What an auspicious time to celebrate!

This year’s annual DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade, celebrating the Year of the Dragon, took place last month on Sunday, February 11. Organized by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Washington DC (CCBA-DC) in partnership with the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA), this long-standing tradition represents the oldest and largest recurring Asian American community-organized event in DC. Since the 1950s, the parade has drawn thousands of spectators and revelers from across the DMV to welcome the Lunar New Year. The festivities, spanning from 6th and Eye St NW to 6th and H St, included the parade itself, VIP speeches, lion dance performances, and a fireworks display.

Group photo of parade participants holding red Smithsonian banner under ornate Chinese gate in Washington, DC

Smithsonian participants in the 2024 Lunar New Year Parade gather under the arch of the Chinese Gate in Washington, D.C.’s Chinatown. This is the first year the Smithsonian officially participated. (Photo courtesy Rick H. Lee)

According to traditional Chinese astrology, the Wood Dragon Year 2024 (February 10, 2024 – January 28, 2025) marks the beginning of a new 12-year cycle, which will bring opportunities for growth and change. The Chinese zodiac predicts that people with strong personalities will shine and lead in this period.

The dragon is a revered animal in Chinese culture, as it represents luck, power and success. People born in the dragon years (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 and 2024) share these qualities and will benefit from the Wood Dragon’s energy, but all people can enjoy the positive effects of this new lunar year.

For the first time in its history, the Smithsonian joined 60 other organizations participating in this year’s parade. Over 30 staff, along with family, friends, and members of Simba Dojang (a local tae kwon do school), marched proudly behind the Smithsonian’s banner. With funding from the Head Diversity Officer for the Smithsonian, Elizabeth Ziebarth, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) and the Smithsonian’s Asian Pacific American Alliance (SAPAA) collaborated to coordinate the group’s participation in the parade.

Parade participants holding red Smithsonian banner at Lunar New Year parade

Welcome, Year of the Dragon!

Looking ahead, APAC and SAPAA are committed to organizing the Smithsonian contingent for future parades The 2025 parade, celebrating the Year of the Snake, will complement APAC’s upcoming exhibition, Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond, scheduled to reside at the Smithsonian American Art Museum from September 7, 2024 to November 30, 2025. The 2026 parade, ushering in the Year of the Horse, will also commemorate the nation’s Semiquincentennial. Given the Smithsonian’s two museums in Chinatown, we are proud that the Institution is now involved in this important community event.

View a video of the parade on Instagram and check out more photos on Sharepoint.

The following Smithsonian units were represented in this year’s parade: