Los Angeles Mayor R. Villaraigosa leads the 117th New Year's parade along Old Chinatown Plaza on Feb.4, 2006. Photo: cnsphoto

In Los Angeles, city officials have joined Chinese crowds to celebrate the Spring Festival.

Dressed in traditional Chinese clothes, Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa has led the 117th New Year's parade along Old Chinatown Plaza and speaking in Chinese wished everyone a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year.

Local lawmakers and Asian winners of a nationwide beauty pageant have also participated in the parade along with local Chinese residents who lit fireworks and performed a traditional lion dance.

Old Chinatown Plaza is located at 930 North Broadway just northeast of downtown Los Angeles and south of Dodger Stadium, and is bordered by North Broadway, Hill Street, College Street and Bernard Street.

Asian winners of a nationwide beauty pageant participate in the New Year parade in Los Angeles on Feb.4, 2006. Photo: cnsphoto