HONG KONG SAR, January (AMSP/CGTN) – – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region held a grand international parade featuring nine spectacular floats and performing groups from around the world on Wednesday night to celebrate the arrival of the 2025 Chinese New Year on the day.
Themed “Unfold a Year of Good Fortune,” the parade was organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. As the signature annual event on the first day of the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, the parade kicked off a host of seasonal events across the region.
A total of 55 performing groups from 14 countries and regions showcased a variety of performances, including traditional and modern dances, martial arts, and acrobatics, at the parade.
Among the nine floats, some featured elements of giant pandas and the zodiac snake, as the Chinese lunar year of 2025 is a Year of the Snake. During the intervals between the float appearances, performers from around the world delivered enchanting and passionate performances, wishing everyone a prosperous Year of the Snake.
The zodiac snake ranks the 6th in the cycle of 12 zodiac animals on the Chinese calendar.
“This year, being a Year of the Snake, carries a particularly strong New Year atmosphere. Both residents and tourists are filled with joy. During the Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake, I wish for a harmonious society in Hong Kong, where people from all walks of life unite to embrace a brighter future. I also wish for prosperity for our country and its people,” said Pun Kwan-yu, a resident in Hong Kong.
“On the evening of the first day of the Chinese New Year, the float parade and performing groups presented a spectacular international joint performance for everyone. I wish for a prosperous economy and a harmonious society in Hong Kong. I also wish for our great motherland to enjoy favorable conditions and prosperity, and for the people to live in peace,” said Ng Tang, president of the Hong Kong Shanxi Union Community Limited.
At 20:00, the parade began at the Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza and then proceeded through Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road before concluding at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.
After the event, the floats and performance stage will be displayed at another location in Hong Kong for people to experience the fusion of cultural arts and to share the joy and beauty of the festival.
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