Photos by John Woo, 2023
The Portland Chinatown Museum celebrates the Year of the Dragon with a Dragon Dance Parade and Celebration through downtown Portland on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This event is free and welcome to all.
Local dragon and lion dance teams and the Trailblazers Rip City Crew will help kick off the eighth annual parade and celebration in front of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association on NW Third and Davis Street in Old Town Chinatown. Led by the Portland Chinatown History Foundation’s 150-foot dragon, the parade will pass through the China Gate, march down SW Third Avenue to SW Jefferson and Park Street, and end at the Oregon Historical Society Park Plaza. Along the way, lions will “pluck the green” for good luck at select locations, and volunteers will pass out traditional red envelopes to participants and onlookers. This year, the Lunar New Year festivities will include a special tribute to the museum’s friend and neighbor, Walter Cole, better known as the iconic Portland drag queen Darcelle.
The 2024 Lunar New Year Dragon Dance Parade and Celebration is organized by the Portland Chinatown Museum, and co-presented with the Oregon Historical Society. Wells Fargo is the presenting sponsor, with additional support from local businesses and organizations.