‘Spectacular’ Hong Kong Lunar New Year parade ushers in Year of the Snake

Residents and tourists packing harbourfront streets in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui cheered and applauded as floats, dancers and musicians joined the Lunar New Year parade on Wednesday night, delivering a rousing welcome to the Year of the Snake.

Addressing the crowds in English, Cantonese and Mandarin before the event began, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu invited the spectators to celebrate as he underscored the city’s strengths as a tourist attraction.

“There’s no better way, anywhere on earth, to welcome in the New Year than by following – and revelling in – Hong Kong’s magnificent Chinese New Year Night parade,” Lee said.

“All around town, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent spectacle of our festivities and the warm hospitality of the people of Hong Kong, as we share the joy of the New Year with all of you.”

K-pop girl group Kep1er then greeted the audience in Mandarin and Korean, saying “Happy New Year and Kung hei fat choi” before singing a selection of their hits.

After winding around three streets, the parade, featuring nine floats and 55 performing groups wrapped up at 9.50pm with a show by Thai boy band LYKN, other stars and a lion dance performance.