The 12th annual Lunar New Year parade brought thousands of New Yorkers to Chinatown on Sunday to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit.

The parade went through virtually all major streets in Chinatown. The spectacle featured elaborate floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dances with performances by Chinese musicians, magicians, acrobats and procession by local organizations.

Thousands of local residents and tourists lined the streets, singing and cheering as confetti was falling down the sky. The red lantern, colorful balloons and special Chinese New Year decorations made Chinatown the sea of redness with strong festival flavor.

"It's amazing. I was so impressed by the festive atmosphere and authentic Chinese tradition," Sue Lucas, who came from New Jersey to watch the parade, told Xinhua.

"I was here in 1991 and I never imagined that I could be here to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year 20 years later," said Eric, a tourist from Denmark. "As China becomes more and more important in the global community, people are more interested in its festival and tradition."

This Chinese Lunar New Year, also the Year of the Rabbit, is the most important Chinese festival. It started on Feb. 3 this year.

Editor: Xu Xinlei