Neighborhoods change over the years.
Not always for the better.
Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood is determined to make sure any change to the historic district will be a positive one.
Chinatown residents and business owners are joining forces to bring a celebration of the area through Feb. 25 for a first-ever “Show Your Love for Chinatown” celebration in concert with Lunar New Year.
After more than a year of fighting to preserve Chinatown amidst the effort to bring a new professional basketball arena to the neighborhood, residents are joining forces.
The celebration invites residents and visitors alike to explore, celebrate and fight to retain Philadelphia’s Chinatown.
“Philadelphia’s Chinatown is one of the most historic and vibrant neighborhoods in the country,” Chinatown business owner Xu Lin said. “Everyone is welcome here. As we fight to make sure our community survives for another 150 years, people have asked how they can support the community, and now we say, come to Chinatown.”
Show Your Love for Chinatown incorporates longstanding Chinatown traditions, while supporting small businesses in the area. The celebration kicked off on Feb. 17 with a ceremonial blessing and the traditional lion dance performed to bring good fortune in the Year of the Dragon.
“We’re at a critical point in the fight to save Chinatown,” Lin said. “We want to invite all Philadelphians to come feel the love, be a part of this community, and join us in celebrating the places like Chinatown that make Philly so special.”
Events include traditional tea ceremonies, walking tours, open houses, cooking classes and meals with community elders and activists.
