AN AMAZING CULTURAL MASH-UP: EAST MEETS WEST PARADE
What is dubbed as New York City’s second largest parade only behind Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the 6th annual East Meets West Christmas parade will be held this Saturday, December 22nd. Little Italy and Chinatown are two of New York City’s most famous and vibrant neighborhoods, and they’ve been joining forces for the past 6 years for this annual holiday fusion. The procession simultaneously celebrates the neighboring communities’ rich Italian and Asian culture with a parade of 8 floats, 3 marching bands, street dancers, live Italian and Asian singing performers, antique cars, and much more. Where else but New York can you witness the best kind of spectacle that features Santa walking alongside a larger-than life Chinese Dragon?
The event kicks off at 2 p.m. on Mulberry & Canal Streets, then proceeds North along Mulberry to Prince St and South on Mott St. from Prince to Worth to end at Chatham Square. If you’re watching the parade with little ones, restaurants in Little Italy are offering half-priced kids menus throughout the entire weekend so be sure to take advantage of the great deals.