Monday, February 12, 2024
After a five-year hiatus, the Chinese Lunar New Year parade made a grand return to Hong Kong, attracting tens of thousands of spectators to the bustling shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui. Celebrating the Year of the Dragon, an estimated 44,000 attendees braved the cold weather, gathering hours in advance on Saturday night to witness a vibrant display of floats and performances. The parade’s comeback, last seen in 2019, marks a significant moment for the city, following years of cancellations due to anti-government protests and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizers boasted this year’s lineup as the strongest ever, featuring an array of international talent including Japan’s all-women dance group Avantgardey, recognized from America’s Got Talent 2023, alongside Spain’s Light Dancers and Universe of Lights from Germany. The event also showcased over two dozen local and international groups from mainland China, the United States, the Philippines, and beyond, providing a rich tapestry of cultural performances.
The parade, a signature event sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airways, saw the airline’s flight crew delivering their iconic dance act, contributing to the night’s festive atmosphere. Spectators, both local and from abroad, shared their experiences, highlighting the parade’s broad appeal. Bite Meng, a postgraduate student from Beijing, appreciated the cultural performances that reminded her of home, while expressing a desire for more floats and a better viewing experience.
Local residents Wilson and Catherine Wong noted the significant presence of mainland visitors, reflecting on the event’s capacity to draw a diverse crowd. Despite challenges in viewing the performances due to the crowd, the Wongs acknowledged the positive impact of hosting such a large-scale event after years of absence, emphasizing the sense of community and celebration it brought to Hong Kong.
The parade‘s successful return not only provided a platform for international and local performers to showcase their talents but also reinstated a beloved Lunar New Year tradition, injecting a much-needed feel-good factor into the city and symbolizing a step towards normalcy and unity in the post-pandemic era.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
