The annual Lunar New Year parade returned to Sunset Park Sunday, drawing thousands of people to the event.

Revelers said it was special this year because the pandemic paused the event for the last two years.

The festivities kicked off with an opening ceremony and best wishes from elected officials.

"Let us enjoy this Year of the Rabbit and let us bring peace and prosperity," said Attorney Letitia James.

Firecrackers then lit up the streets to bring good luck to the year ahead.

The Brooklyn Chinese-American Association has organized the parade since 1988.

Families who came down to ring in the Year of the Rabbit also hope it will be more peaceful.

"We hope this is really the end of the pandemic, so that the Asian community can really come out and get some normalcy," said Paul Mak, of the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association.