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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

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The History Behind Chinatown's Lunar New Year Parade

(Courtesy of The California Historical Society and University of Southern California Digital Library)
(Courtesy of The California Historical Society and University of Southern California Digital Library)

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The History Behind Chinatown's Lunar New Year Parade

Tens of thousands of people squeeze into Chinatown every year for the Golden Dragon Parade. It's an L.A. institution, one of the oldest and most popular events of its kind in the country.

The roots of the parade, however are complicated.  The first time Chinese paraded before other Angelenos 125 years ago, it was a very different picture.

READ MORE ON LAIST: Not Just Dragon Dancing. The History Of LA's Chinatown Parade You Might Not Know

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