I Love a Parade

What better way to welcome in a new year than with a parade. Last night we boarded the Star Ferry for Tsim Sha Tsui and queued up to watch our first ever Chinese New Year Parade. The ferry crossing gave us the opportunity to see the harbor side in its holiday finest.

During the wait for the start of the parade a balloon or group would come by to entertain the waiting crowds.

One of the groups who passed by was the 501st Legion/Rebel Legion - Hong Kong Outpost.

When the first dragon appeared we knew it was getting close to the start of the main attraction.

There was a lighted dragon followed by the St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders. Thailand had a huge contingent as well.

The ribbons floating in the photo above were not attached to wands. They were attached to the hats of the marchers. The ribbons were twirled by the movement of their heads. I can't imagine doing that for several miles.


A group of monks gave a demonstration of their kung fu skills.

There were many dance groups marching and dancing their way up the street.

Mainland China sent a float featuring many of the incredible sights there.

The Italians were represented by a great marching band. They were very colorful and played well too.

Ocean Park sent a very happy contingent.

The Caribbean was well represented.

Ken's favorite group was a Butterfly Dance Troupe from the Netherlands.

Macao was represented.

And another dragon made its appearance.

The Hong Kong Jockey club has been in existence almost as long as Hong Kong. It is a charitable organization which runs the lottery, horse racing and other similar ventures. The money is then spent on charitable causes. Their float was pretty cool.

The Russians came looking a bit like Vegas.

Then an American dance group came stepping by.

Disney worked it's usual magic.

And the Moldavians danced too.

By far the best entertainment of the evening were the various Dragon and Lion Dance Troupes. This was one of our favorites.

This was followed by Lions of a different sort - the Lions Club International.

More of those darling dancers.

More dragon dancers came by. The skill need to keep these long creatures undulating and hovering over the crowds and the speed with which they do it is astounding. I even got to touch one of the dragons which seems to be a sign of good fortune.

The Japanese contingent featured a large fish which was actually a gong and most impressive.

The Hong Kong entry featured some incredible acrobatics and the most stunning float of the parade.

One last floating dragon to close out the parade.

And as his tail passed by we headed for the ferry...

...and a trip across the harbor with the St. Louis Ram's Cheerleaders.