‘Free Palestine’ protestors attempt to disrupt Lunar New Year parade in NYC
The Year of the Dragon kicked off to a slightly fiery start.
A jubilant celebration to ring in the Year of the Dragon was nearly marred by Free Palestine protestors seeking to disrupt politicians’ speeches.
The group of activists shouted “Ceasefire Now” and “Free Palestine” from a fire escape near the parade route as bigwigs – including Sen. Chuck Schumer and Gov. Kathy Hochul – lined up to address the crowds before the event kicked off.
As the group shouted in vain through megaphones, the pols simply wrapped up their speeches and the march began at the intersection of Mott and Hester Streets in Chinatown.
“The Chinese American community is the American dream, people who work hard, people who are law-abiding, people who care about their children and respect their elders,” Schumer told the crowd of thousands.
Many participants came from out of town to take part in the annual event.
“Just to see the parade and celebrate. It’s a big parade. There is nothing like this in Connecticut,” Julie Cheung, a 28-year-old medical tech from New Haven told The Post.
“It’s great to feel the traditional culture. The Lunar Fest concludes the celebration. It’s great to see everyone come together and enjoy the fun,” said Riu Li, a college professor from Albany.
The 2024 Lunar New Year parade consisted of 18 floats and 100 marching bands.
Alexandra Lu, a 25-year-old game designer from Brooklyn, said she appreciated how many different groups were represented in the procession.
“I appreciate that there is a lof of sectors coming together, there was an LGBTQ group, a ‘Free Palestine’ group,” she said, referring to a group of demonstrators who carried a Palestinian flag and a banner behind one of the dragon displays, according to a video shared on X.
Mayor Eric Adams arrived late, and only offered a few words to the crowd.
“Enjoy the parade, let’s start the road,” he said, after making a brief address in Chinese.
Hizzoner attempted to join the march for a bit, but was quickly escorted away by the NYPD.
