Thousands Brave Rain for Philly's Lunar New Year Parade

Chinatown celebration marks Year of the Horse with lion dances, firecrackers, and community spirit

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Despite cold rain and dropping temperatures, thousands packed Philadelphia's Chinatown on Sunday for the annual Lunar New Year Parade, celebrating the Year of the Horse. The parade featured the iconic Philadelphia Suns lion dance, drums, and plenty of firecrackers, uniting the Asian community in a display of resilience and joy.

Why it matters

The Lunar New Year parade is a cherished tradition in Philadelphia's Chinatown, bringing the diverse Asian community together to mark the start of the new zodiac cycle. As the city prepares for a potentially historic winter storm, the parade's endurance in the face of inclement weather underscores the neighborhood's strong sense of cultural identity and community spirit.

The details

The Philadelphia Suns lion dance, a symbolic Chinese dance performed to chase away evil spirits and bring good luck, was the star of the show. Dancers in colorful lion costumes moved to the sound of drums, undeterred by the rain. Firecrackers and the energy of the crowd added to the festive atmosphere, with attendees of all generations coming together to celebrate.

  • The Lunar New Year parade took place on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • The parade occurred just hours before a major winter storm system was expected to hit the region.

The players

Philadelphia Suns

A local organization that performs the traditional lion dance during the Lunar New Year parade in Philadelphia's Chinatown.

Betsy Lee-Fong

A board member of the Philadelphia Suns, who spoke about the importance of the parade in bringing the community together.

Rex Yin

A longtime attendee of the Lunar New Year parade in Philadelphia's Chinatown, who sees the celebration as a 'fresh start' and a time to support immigrant communities.

Hanna Kim

A Korean-American attendee who appreciates the opportunity to connect with the broader Asian community during the Lunar New Year celebration.

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What they’re saying

“Lunar New Year really just reminds me of a fresh start, new beginning, much more than the typical January 1st new year.”

— Rex Yin (WHYY)

“The lion dance and the music and the drums … all generations are out today. That's what keeps the spirit and the celebration live.”

— Betsy Lee-Fong, Philadelphia Suns board member (WHYY)

“As a Korean person, I grew up celebrating Seollal, which is the Korean Lunar New Year. I love coming to Chinatown and just connecting with my other Asian community members. Right now, solidarity is so important as we're moving forward into the new year.”

— Hanna Kim (WHYY)

What’s next

Lunar New Year events will continue in the city through the next few weeks, including a celebration at the Parkway Central Library on March 14.

The takeaway

The resilience and community spirit displayed by Philadelphia's Chinatown during the Lunar New Year parade, despite the inclement weather, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural traditions and the strength of diverse communities in the face of adversity.