CATHAY'S CHINESE NEW YEAR NIGHT PARADE TO DAZZLE HONG KONG WITH SPECTACULAR FLOATS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- The highly anticipated Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade is set to make a grand return in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, on Jan 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake with vibrant celebrations.

Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and sponsored by Cathay for the 23rd year, the parade will feature a vibrant mix of global performances and dazzling floats with a distinct Hong Kong touch.

This year's theme, "Unfold a Year of Good Fortune", reflects the city's status as a top destination for unique global festivities, according to HKTB in a statement.

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HKTB Chairman, Dr Pang Yiu-kai said the parade would be broadcast worldwide, showcasing performances from various countries, promises to be an unforgettable celebration.

This year's parade will feature 55 performances from 14 countries and regions, including newcomers France, Argentina, Austria, India, Indonesia, and Thailand, surpassing last year’s edition, and include stars like the V.UNBEATABLE Dance Group, the Zurcaroh acrobatic troupe, and BRAVERY DANCERS who will take centre stage alongside local acts such as the Chestroll Dance Crew and Hong Kong Rope Skipping Association.

The procession will begin at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and travel along major roads before finishing at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers. Prior to the main event, 18 local talents will ring in the festivities with juggling, magic shows, dance, and music to get the crowd in the festive mood.

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This year’s parade will showcase nine floats, many serving as Hong Kong Tourism Ambassadors by highlighting the city’s charm. The floats will feature famous Hong Kong icons, such as the beloved giant pandas, paired with Hong Kong-style milk tea.

The parade will also feature floats that draw inspiration from the city's breathtaking skyline, specifically the snake motif. Other floats will celebrate the city’s distinctive Chinese New Year culture, with designs that incorporate festive elements like windmills, lyrical couplets, and blooming flowers, all conveying joyful Chinese New Year greetings.

To further extend the celebration, HKTB is collaborating with the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival, where selected parade floats and performances will be relocated to Lam Tsuen in Tai Po from Jan 30 to Feb 13.

Additionally, HKTB has launched a dedicated Chinese New Year webpage, providing locals and visitors with a guide to all the city’s seasonal events, including fireworks and Chinese New Year fairs, offering a comprehensive experience of Hong Kong’s festive culture.

-- BERNAMA