Close to 2,000 people turned out to the Welcome the Year of the Dragon. It's said to be one of the most powerful signs of the Chinese Zodiac.
The celebration at the Chinatown Center included martial arts performances and a community resource fair. Performances by the dragon dance team delighted the crowd, while the firecracker display ushered in the Chinese New Year with a bang.
"The fireworks are to ward off evil spirits, so we're thankful the Austin Fire Department allowed us to do the fireworks this year," said Erica Estetter, Chinatown Center spokeswoman. "It's very important for the store owners to ward away any evil spirits, and also the color red is very important to keep that away too and bring in prosperity for the new year."
This was the seventh annual Chinese New Year celebration at the center.
