Hong Kong celebrates Chinese New Year

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.

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