|
A
fascinating mix of floats and performances lighted up Tsim Sha Tsui on
Thursday evening as Hong Kong ushered in the Year of the Rat with the 2008 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade.
Taking place in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, the opening
ceremony was officiated by Financial Secretary The Honourable John Tsang in the company of Mr Anthony Lau, Executive Director of the
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB); and Mr John Slosar, Chief Operating Officer of Cathay Pacific. This parade marked the 13th
staging and the 10th consecutive time of it being sponsored by the Cathay Pacific. It was
also the first time that American Express
International, Inc. joined the event as parade route sponsor.
Heralding the theme of “Riding High – Hong Kong Spectacular!”, the parade featured a dozen fabulously decorated floats, plus 12
international and 13 local performing groups. Apart from following a brand new route, this year’s parade was injected with new interactive
elements such as having children dressed as cute little mice to mix with spectators. The parade further epitomised Hong Kong’s
cosmopolitan image with a blend in local cultural highlight – traditional piu sik parade – jointly presented by Mainland and local performing
groups.
Besides live broadcast on Television Broadcasts Limited’s Jade Channel and webcast
online, the HKTB invited over 35 overseas media from 12 source markets to come to Hong Kong and cover the parade and other Chinese New Year
related celebrations.
The HKTB has collaborated with The Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Association of Hong Kong to extend the joy of the festivity to different corners of
Hong Kong. Designated locations were marked and reserved in Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza for some 30 less-privileged local families
(approx. 100 individuals) to enjoy the celebrations.
Those who would like an even closer look at the floats can visit the New World Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui on 8-10 February, when the
elaborately decorated floats will be on public display. Selected overseas and local performing groups will also stage their performances
again to entertain the crowds.
See
other recent news regarding:
Airlines,
Aviation,
Hotels,
Cathay
Pacific, American
Express, Hong
Kong, Chinese
New Year
|
