HONG KONG — Revelers filled the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui on Tuesday night as dancers, marching bands and elaborate floats wound through one of Hong Kong’s busiest districts to mark the arrival of the Year of the Horse.
Chief Executive John Lee opened the festivities at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, welcoming visitors from around the world and noting that the city’s holiday calendar is “brimming with activities.”
“You’ll discover Chinese New Year festivities throughout Hong Kong,” Lee said, pointing to a fireworks display scheduled for Wednesday night and traditional horse races on Thursday. He added that horses in Chinese culture symbolize “vitality, courage and progress,” wishing the public health and prosperity in the new year.
Organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the celebration — themed “Everywhere a Wish” — kicked off with a parade that traveled along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road before concluding outside the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.
Twelve floats took part, including displays featuring a Cathay Pacific aircraft, a classic McDonald’s train and local characters such as Labubu and Molly. A glowing recreation of the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree also drew attention from spectators lining the route.
Performers from Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas joined the procession, entertaining crowds that packed sidewalks throughout the city’s harborfront district. Organizers billed the parade as one of the signature events welcoming the Lunar New Year.
