Orlando celebrates Lunar New Year with annual Central Florida Dragon Parade

ORLANDO, Fla. — Traditional costumes and the sound of beating drums filled the streets of North Mills Avenue.

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People lined the Mills 50 District to see Sunday’s 11th annual Central Florida Dragon Parade.

Read: Lunar New Year: What is it, when is it and how do people celebrate?

Orlando leaders helped ring in the holiday with local groups in the Asian community.

The Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Temple Orlando were some of the organizations in attendance.

Photos: Orlando celebrates Lunar New Year with annual Central Florida Dragon Parade

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Orlando celebrates Lunar New Year with annual Central Florida Dragon Parade People lined the Mills 50 District to see Sunday’s 11th annual Central Florida Dragon Parade. (Jesse Rogers/WFTV)

Parade watchers said they have watched the parade grow each year.

2023 marks the Year of the Rabbit, which started on Jan. 22. According to history.com, East and Southeast Asian cultures celebrate Lunar New Year, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities.

“We are so excited to show our culture, (our) Chinese culture, to everybody,” said Liling Le of the Tawainese Chamber of Commerce of Greater Orlando.

Read: Lunar New Year — 5 things to know

State Representative Anna Eskamani, Congressman Maxwell Frost and Mayor Buddy Dyer also participated in the parade.

The city said the event symbolizes its commitment to ensuring a diverse and welcoming space for everyone.

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