Traditions celebrated at Dragon Boat Festival in NY

Under the watchful eyes of guests, Brenda He slowly walked to the center of the stage. Dressed in a turquoise hanfu and gradually adorning her head with ornate hairpieces, she completed her coming-of-age ceremony, witnessed by the community she serves.

For the 17-year-old, the event at the Glow Cultural Center in New York on Saturday was special, as she celebrated the big day with her family and friends in a traditional Chinese Han-style ceremony, coinciding with celebrations of the Dragon Boat Festival that fell on Monday.

"I really like being a part of the Chinese culture," she said. "Honestly, this is my first time working with a hanfu, but they've always been part of our event, and I'm grateful for that. That's my heritage."