While the annual New Year’s parade in Chinatown is full of color and waving flags and marching groups, the spectators drawn to the parade were equally interesting. One of the most unexpected was the young boy preaching salvation to passers-by, most of whom simply ignored him.
And what would any parade or festive event in Los Angeles be without a balloon and cotton candy seller walking among the crowds. Apparently they do a good business because balloon sellers are always at events. Always.
One of my very favorite photos is of the two cooks taking a cigarette break. It is a portrait that could have been photographed decades ago. Some aspects at the heart of Chinatown never seem to change. Multi-family housing–mostly rentals–have begun to spring up around the edges of Chinatown in the last few years, however, as older L.A. neighborhoods like Chinatown begin to gentrify.
Anyway, here are photos of a few of the people watching the parade.
Of course the LAPD was present at the parade. Customarily the LAPD motorcycle unit leads the way, clearing out any spectators wandering into the parade path. This year the LAPD deployed cops on bicycles and they seemed benign.
I heard a report last night that the LAPD has just launched a test program of having bicycle officers patrolling the Venice Beach boardwalk. Local businesses along the boardwalk have welcomed them with open arms.
This lady was determined to be comfortable and protect herself from the hot February sunshine in Los Angeles. It always seems to be very warm on the day for Chinese New Year. I noticed she had 2 bottles of water and wondered if she was saving a place for a friend. Maybe?
Love the purple outfit including gloves and purse. Historically, Chinese women have been very careful to shade themselves from sunshine. Notice the woman in a red jacket, shielding her face from the sunlight.
There were children everywhere at the parade, including quite a few in traditional Chinese clothing. This little girl doesn’t look very happy. Maybe she doesn’t want to have her picture taken again.
Another little girl in a traditional Chinese outfit. She is picking up the confetti that spilled on to the street from poppers.
Yet another daughter…this one not so young…with her Mother in matching outfits for parade viewing. Of course there are always lots of photographers at this event.
