Celebrations are underway for Chinese New Year in Las Vegas.
The Meadows School 20th annual parade went through the Forum Shops Monday morning with three monkeys and roughly 120 other festively dressed kids, alongside Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman.
Year of the monkey. Too cute: ?? ? lead parade along with @mayoroflasvegas cc: @TMSmustangs @ktnv #ChineseNewYear pic.twitter.com/Xa6vvVUw3h
— Jess Janner Castro (@JessicaJanner) February 8, 2016
The event was considered by many to kick off celebrations around the valley.
"I think if it is then that's amazing," said 12th grader Ava Frazier. "That's such a big deal. That's really exciting."
Frazier has participated in the parade twice before Monday, in kindergarten and fifth grade.
"I remember I was one of clay dolls they have... they're in the front and they have a little song that they do," she said, recalling her first experience. "And then, I had a speaking role in the 5th grade so I remember it really clearly. It's also a part of my family's tradition so it's just been a big deal."
All the proud parents. @KTNV @TMSmustangs @TheForumShops #ChineseNewYear #vegas #parade pic.twitter.com/3XrCOC1CmQ
— Jess Janner Castro (@JessicaJanner) February 8, 2016
All across the world, Monday marks the start of the new Lunar Year, with 2016 being the year of the monkey. Chinese people see it as a chance to honor ancestors and prepare for good fortune to come.
Many of them are celebrating in Las Vegas, with rooms on the Strip nearly sold out, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
But it's not just tourists, the city is teeming with Chinese Americans.
"A huge number that live here, this is home," Goodman said.
