In the brisk sunshine, hundreds lined the streets in Chinatown undeterred by the wintry wind as they watched the neighborhood come to life during the annual parade celebrating Lunar New Year and arrival of the Year of the Dragon.

People of all ages from near and far flocked to take in the high-spirited action, with some performers donning bright-colored lion heads and others running and dancing around the streets carrying a dragon that flew high above.

Lion dancers ate green lettuce and oranges, symbols of wealth and luck, before tossing the produce out to the crowd, a sign that they hope the blessings are spread to the hundreds in attendance.

On Sunday, those gathered continued to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, with Chinese tradition saying people born in this year are believed to possess good fortune, power and success.

This is the first year that Boston is recognizing the Lunar New Year as an official public holiday.

After the parade concluded, many attendees flocked to the Lunar New Year Cultural Village at the China Trade Center on Boylston Street and other celebrations at the Pao Arts Center on Albany Street.

A young child peers out from the head of a lion before performing in the streets of Chinatown to celebrate Chinese New Year . (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
A lion dances while firecrackers explode on the street during Sunday’s celebration of Lunar New Year. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
Children watch as performers dance in the streets of Chinatown to celebrate Chinese New Year, Sunday. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
Performers dance in the streets of Chinatown Sunday to celebrate Chinese New Year. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)