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Lions, tigers and dragons marched through the streets of Chinatown as thousands lined the sidewalks at the 11th annual Lunar New Year Parade and Festival.

"The significance of the lion dance is basically to scare away evil spirits and the lions come in to try and bring good luck," said lion dancer Gregory Gong.

For some, the colorful festivities provided a connection to home.

"A lot of new immigrants came over here to the U.S. still trying to adjust to American life. This is a good reminder what home is all about and what they see at home, with the lion dance, with the performances, with all the other Asians, it does give them a home feel," said one onlooker.

While the day was about celebration and entertainment, a group of Asian-Americans from the LGBT community used it to share a message.

"We were inspired by a lot of the gay and lesbian organizing that has been going on in China and thought this year is the year we should do something in Chinatown. We march each year at Gay Pride Parade, but to be walking the streets of Chinatown is a lot scarier and has a lot stronger symbolism for us," said LGBT march organizer Irene Tung.

This was the first time in the parade's 11-year history that an LGBT group has marched.