Navy Pier’s Chinese New Year celebration brings a taste of ‘home’ to share with Chicago

By Wanying Zhao
Medill Reports

Ushering in the Year of the Rat from the Chinese zodiac, Chicago celebrated Chinese New Year with a grand gala of Chinese culture at Navy Pier.

Honoring one of the most important festivals in China, the Chinese community in Chicago enjoyed a taste of home while thousands of miles away and shared it with thousands of others. The Jan. 25 programming was presented by ComEd. Chinatown also hosted an annual parade and more celebrations  across the area feted the holiday.

Photo at top : Chicago’s Chinese New Year celebration incorporated music and dance performances, Kung fu show, arts, Chinese food and more. (Wanying Zhao/MEDILL) Video produced by Wanying Zhao/Medill; music  by Xia yu by Guifrog