Floats set to spread luck in Lunar New Year parade

Some 55 performance groups from 14 countries and regions will spread good luck to spectators on Tsim Sha Tsui streets on the first day of the Lunar New Year in the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade.

The parade, to be held on January 29, will feature 16 performing groups from mainland and overseas, with France, Argentina, Austria, India and Thailand being first-timers.

Hong Kong Tourism Board chairman Pang Yiu-kai said the parade, themed “unfold a year of good fortune”, will see more participating groups compared to last year, providing a more diverse experience.

“Hong Kong is one of the most popular destinations in the world for Lunar New Year celebrations and the parade is definitely a highlight of the festivities,” Pang said.

Pang said the parade will feature nine floats showcasing famous Hong Kong icons, including giant pandas, local food, city view and the local Lunar New Year culture.

Departing at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza at 8 pm, the floats will travel along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road, ending up outside Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers.

Some 18 local performing groups will also warm up the parade with juggling, magic shows, dance and music starting 6 pm before the parade.

Tickets for spectator seats along the route will be on sale from 8 am on January 11 at the Tourism Board's Kowloon Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are priced at HK$300, HK$450 and HK$480.

Pang said the board will also launch a one-stop information page for locals and visitors on celebration activities during the Lunar New Year holiday, including the parade, fireworks show, the Chinese New Year Raceday and Chinese New Year Cup as well as New Year fairs.