Streets are closed in Chinatown and buses are being diverted away from Hotel Street today for the annual Chinese New Year street festival and parade.

The Night in Chinatown street festival, sponsored by the Chinatown Merchants Association, will close streets until about 11 p.m.

Mauna Kea Street from Beretania to King streets; Pauahi Street from River Street to Nuuanu Avenue; Hotel Street from Richards to River streets; and Smith Street from Pauahi to Beretania streets are closed to traffic for the street festival.

In addition the annual Night in Chinatown parade will start at 3:30 p.m. at Richards and Hotel streets and go down Hotel Street to Smith Street.

Parade participants include the Narcissus Festival queen and her court, cultural organizations, kung fu martial artists, and lion and dragon dancers.

The street festival features food booths, entertainment on four stages and craft vendors.

The event celebrates Chinese New Year and the beginning of the Year of the Monkey in the Chinese zodiac.