Chinese New Year celebrations were in full force in New York City Sunday, as thousands gathered for the annual parade in Manhattan's Chinatown.

Some 6,000 performers celebrated the Year of the Dragon, complete with line-dancing lions and dancers in golden cloaks, in front of more than 400,000 spectators, the New York Daily News reported.

The parade, now in its 13th year, began on Mott Street and continued along Canal, Bayard and East Broadway.

Among the notable spectators at the parade was New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and Senator Chuck Schumer.

The Chinese New Year parade in New York was one of several celebrations in America this past weekend. Also on Sunday, thousands of spectators gathered in Washington, D.C. to watch kung fu performers, a dragon dance and a lion dance.

Believed to be the most powerful of the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is believed to be driven, unafraid of challenges and willing to take risks, according to ChineseZodiac.com.

Those born in the Year of the Dragon will turn 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 (and so on) years old this year.

The Year of the Dragon began on Jan. 23.

Scroll down for photos from the Chinese New Year Parade in New York City.

Chinese New Year Parade
People attend a Chinese New Year parade at Chinatown in New York January 29, 2012. The Lunar New Year began on January 23 and marked the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. REUTERS
Chinese New Year Parade
Revellers pose for a picture after attending a Chinese New Year parade at Chinatown in New York January 29, 2012. The Lunar New Year began on January 23 and marked the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. REUTERS
Chinese New Year Parade
People attend a Chinese New Year parade at Chinatown in New York January 29, 2012. The Lunar New Year began on January 23 and marked the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. REUTERS
Chinese New Year Parade
People attend a Chinese New Year parade at Chinatown in New York January 29, 2012. The Lunar New Year began on January 23 and marked the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. REUTERS
Chinese New Year Parade
Revellers attend a Chinese New Year parade at Chinatown in New York January 29, 2012. The Lunar New Year began on January 23 and marked the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. REUTERS
Chinese New Year Parade
Revellers attend the Chinese New Year parade at Chinatown in New York January 29, 2012. The Lunar New Year began on January 23 and marked the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. REUTERS
Chinese New Year Parade
A reveller attends the Chinese New Year parade at Chinatown in New York January 29, 2012. The Lunar New Year began on January 23 and marked the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. REUTERS
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