CATHAY INTERNATIONAL CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE RETURNS TO HONG KONG AFTER 5 YEARS HIATUS

The most eye-catching Chinese New Year celebration in town, the “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade”, is making a grand comeback in Tsim Sha Tsui on the first day of the Year of Dragon (10 February). (Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The most eye-catching Chinese New Year celebration in town, the “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade”, is making a grand comeback in Tsim Sha Tsui on the first day of the Year of Dragon, Feb 10.

Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) with Cathay being the title sponsor for the 22nd year, the event is expected to heat up Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year ambience and kick off a series of Chinese New Year celebrations.

Themed “World Party Great Celebration”, the parade showcases the city’s pulsating energy with glamourous floats and a big line-up of international and local performances, echoing the energy and motivation of the Dragon.

In a statement, HKTB Chairman, Pang Yiu-kai said: “We have brought together some of the world’s hottest performers to the party to spice up the celebration and transform this traditional festival into an international mega event. The HKTB parade will be the first event to kick off a series of Chinese New Year celebratory activities in town.”

Meanwhile Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Lam said the company looks forward to these highly anticipated Chinese New Year festivities to attract more visitors to Hong Kong and join the people of the city in experiencing its colourful and diverse festival culture, celebrating Chinese New Year together.

This year’s “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade” will feature nine floats, 13 local and 16 international performing groups. Dragons will appear on most of the floats to portray the auspicious dragon hovering over Hong Kong, bringing fortune and joy to the city in the New Year.

In addition, a total of 16 international performing groups from 12 countries or regions will gather in this year’s parade, the strongest-ever line-up, showcasing globally famous and award-winning acts.

Local performers will also stage a fascinating show, with teams that have won international awards, ranging from marching bands and rhythmic gymnastics to Chinese dances and Bollywood performances.

The parade will start at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, proceed along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road, and finish outside the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers.

After the parade, the floats will be stationed at The Urban Council Centenary Garden, in Tsim Sha Tsui, for public exhibition from Feb 11 to 25. International teams will also perform there on Feb 11 and 12 (the second and third day of Chinese New Year).

-- BERNAMA