NEW YORK — The dancing, music and the colors of the Lunar New Year transcended through Chinatown on Sunday for the 24th annual Lunar New Year parade.

“It brings everybody here together and just to see everybody together here just hanging out is fun,” said spectator Zhi Chen.

The tradition was put on hold for the last two years because of the pandemic but its return drew hundreds of spectators to celebrate the Year of the Tiger.

“I’m new to New York City. I moved here recently and I just lucked out so I came as soon as I heard, I didn’t want to miss the festivities” said Julian Hill.

In the midst of celebration there was a spirit of activism. Demonstrators held up signs reading "Stop Asian Hate" in response to a string of violent attacks targeting the Asian community. Before the parade began, elected officials spoke pledging their support to the Asian-American community.

Gov. Kathy Hochul was among those at the parade and posted a photo Twitter beforehand, showing her placing flowers at the memorial for Christina Yuna Lee, the 35-year-old killed in her apartment in Chinatown a day after the Super Bowl.

“We will continue to fight back against every form of hate that rears its ugly head. We have your backs and we stand with the Asian community,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.

Some who attended the parade said they were not only there to celebrate but to also stand in solidarity with the people of Chinatown.

“It's been a tough couple of years for the Asian community so I came out to support,” said Queens resident Eva Yu.

But many said the celebration created a sense of community as New York City and the world strives to recover from a tough few years.