Cathay International Chinese New Year Parade back in Hong Kong after 5 years

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Experience the vibrant “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade” in Hong Kong, with dazzling floats, global performances, and festive joy!

The spectacular “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade” is set to return with a flourish in Tsim Sha Tsui on the inaugural day of the Year of the Dragon, February 10, illuminating the festive atmosphere of Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year and commencing a sequence of celebratory events. This event, orchestrated by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and championed by Cathay as the main sponsor for its 22nd consecutive year, adopts the theme “World Party Great Celebration.” It highlights the vibrant energy of the city with resplendent floats and a rich array of performances, both international and local, resonating with the dynamic spirit and zest of the Dragon. This globally-infused celebration promises to be an unmissable festivity for locals and global travelers alike.

Dr Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of HKTB, remarked, “During Chinese New Year, Hong Kong becomes a hub of intense celebration, featuring a variety of thrilling events that draw global travelers to experience the festive joy firsthand. As a hallmark event, this year’s Night Parade will revive the traditional float carnival, boasting the largest ensemble of international performers to date. We’re thrilled to host some of the world’s most exciting artists, adding flair to the festivities and elevating this traditional event to a global spectacle. The parade marks the start of a series of Chinese New Year events, including the Lunar New Year fireworks and the Chinese New Year Race Meeting 2024, occurring on the second and third days of the New Year, respectively. We’ll also collaborate with travel partners to promote Chinese New Year-themed tourism products, enhancing the global travelers experience with a mix of activities and inviting them to immerse in Hong Kong’s unique East-meets-West charm.”

Mr Ronald Lam, CEO of Cathay Group, stated, “As Hong Kong’s home carrier for 77 years, Cathay is dedicated to promoting the city as a leading international aviation hub and a vibrant, diverse metropolis. We are proud to sponsor the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade for the 22nd year, eagerly anticipating the event to draw more international visitors and join Hong Kong’s residents in celebrating the rich, varied festival culture of Chinese New Year.”

The “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade” will commence at 8pm in Tsim Sha Tsui on the first day of the Year of the Dragon, featuring nine floats and a total of 29 local and international performing groups. The parade will include dragons on most floats, symbolizing the auspicious presence of the Dragon over Hong Kong, ushering in prosperity and happiness in the New Year. Accompanied by other traditional Chinese New Year symbols like blossoming flowers, lucky couplets, windmills, and firecrackers, the floats will present diverse interpretations of the New Year, each with a unique theme. Cathay’s float, leading the procession, exemplifies the fusion of tradition and progress, followed by floats from notable tourist attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park Hong Kong, showcasing Hong Kong’s multifaceted appeal. The floats will also feature popular items representing good fortune, such as galloping horses on the Hong Kong Jockey Club float and a dragon-shaped windmill on the HKTB float. Among the parade’s highlights are appearances of beloved cartoon characters, including the cheerful Mr. Men Little Miss.

This year’s parade boasts its strongest-ever line-up of international and local performers, offering a breathtaking festival extravaganza. Sixteen international performing groups from 12 different countries and regions will join the parade, making it the most diverse line-up in the event’s history. These groups include the Japanese all-female pop dance group Avantgardey, fresh from their performance at the NHK New Year’s Eve music battle, the Light Dancers from Spain, and the Universe of Lights from Germany, both of which use innovative lighting to create a magical ambiance. Cultural performances will be presented by the Guangxi Arts Troupe and the Tibet Chamdo Troupe, along with professional cheerleaders from the US and the Bacolod City MassKara Festival group from the Philippines, famous for their victories in the Bacolod Mask Festival Dance Competition. These international performers will bring a fusion of carnival spirit and multicultural talent to the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui, enhancing the joyous festival atmosphere.

Local talent will also be on full display, featuring award-winning groups in a variety of disciplines, including marching bands, rhythmic gymnastics, Chinese dances, and Bollywood performances. Hong Kong’s own representatives will showcase world-class skills in professional rope skipping and rhythmic gymnastics, while another local group will revive the classic lion and dragon dances, a staple of the festival.

The parade route begins at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and winds through Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road, concluding outside the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers. Before the parade’s commencement at 6:00 pm, 13 performance teams will entertain the crowd along the route with dance, magic, music, freestyle football, and more.

Following the parade, the floats will be exhibited at The Urban Council Centenary Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui from February 11 to 25, with international teams performing there on February 11 and 12, coinciding with the second and third days of the Chinese New Year.

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