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Hong Kong became a colourful multi-cultural party
Sunday night, as the city ushered in the Year of the Pig with the 2007 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade. Taking place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Piazza and the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui, the event attracted tens of thousands of spectators, who lined the parade
route. As well as unveiling a host of Lunar New Year festivities in Hong Kong, it enabled visitors to stand
shoulder-to-shoulder with local residents, and experience the city’s deep-rooted traditions and vibrant living culture.
Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), with Cathay Pacific Airways as the title sponsor, this year’s
Parade featured 13 brightly illuminated floats, and 15 overseas and 14 local performing groups.
To mark the 12th staging of this signature event, the HKTB introduced even more interactive elements and joint
performances by local and international groups. The Parade began with a World Drum Ensemble, which featured a
melding of drums and percussion instruments from different cultures around the globe. The powerful rhythm heated
up the venue and set everyone in motion, fully echoing the Parade’s theme of “Celebrate. World Party. Hong Kong”,
while showcasing the city’s diversity and internationalism. The parade route was also filled with sounds of revelry.
Aside from enhanced lighting and sound effects, more than 100 motivators helped conjure up the festive atmosphere.
For years, the Parade has been a highlight of Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year festivities, which resemble a mega party
and have been named the “Best Value Entertainment Around the World” by Lonely Planet’s Bluelist 2007. Those who
would like an even closer look at the floats can visit the New World Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui on 19-20 February, when
the elaborately decorated floats will be on public display. Selected overseas performing groups will also stage their
performances again to entertain the crowds.
As well as the Parade, the HKTB is also encouraging visitors to take part in the many celebratory programmes in town,
including the fireworks display on 19 February, the Lunar New Year horseracing on 20 February, the multimedia show
“A Symphony of Lights”, which will be enhanced with special pyrotechnic effects on 20-21 February, and an
international football tournament on 21 February.
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