Giant Doraemon and Friends parade across Victoria Harbour in final day spectacle

Thousands of families and tourists lined Hong Kong’s waterfront on the last day of the “Water Parade” as four massive inflatable sculptures—Doraemon, Grimace, LABUBU, and Elmo—glided across Victoria Harbour in a colorful three-hour show that looped twice past the East Coast Park Precinct and Avenue of Stars.

The parade kicked off at 2pm from the waters opposite Tamar Park, drawing crowds to the Central Harbourfront and beyond. 

One local family returned after enjoying the giant Rubber Duck two years earlier, eager to share the festive atmosphere with their son who adores Doraemon. 

They noted that while the nearby market and paid viewing platforms added appeal, the chance to see the beloved characters against the city’s iconic skyline made the outing worthwhile.

A visitor from Taiwan traveled specifically for the event, thrilled by the rare gathering of four global intellectual properties in one spectacle. 

He described the experience as fresh and unique, vowing to return if Hong Kong hosts similar celebrations in the future.

Throughout the route, costumed characters of Doraemon, Grimace, and Elmo joined the inflatables on escort boats, waving to delighted onlookers along the shore. 

After the parade concluded, organizers capped off the afternoon with a dazzling drone light show above the harbor, illuminating the night sky in a final flourish of creativity and joy.