Hong Kong’s biggest and most exciting Lunar New Year celebration, the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, is making a grand return to mark the start of the Year of the Snake on January 29. Organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and sponsored by Cathay Pacific, this annual event is now in its 23rd year. The parade’s theme, Unfold a Year of Good Fortune, highlights Hong Kong’s role as a global events destination, blending international performances with local traditions.
This year, the parade will feature 55 performances, including colorful floats, local and international acts, and pre-parade entertainment. Performers from 14 countries and regions will participate, with first-time representatives from France, Argentina, Austria, Indonesia, and Thailand. Sixteen international groups will perform, including star acts like Zurcaroh, an Austrian acrobatics group and runner-up on America’s Got Talent 2018, and Bravery Dancers, the first Golden Buzzer winners on Indonesia’s Got Talent 2023. Mainland China’s groups will showcase their rich culture, including the Shaanxi Performing Arts Troupe performing Bumper Harvest Celebration, a lively dance with gongs, drums, and suona horns to celebrate prosperity and joy. Another highlight is the Gansu Dance Troupe, whose performance Music and Dance of Dunhuang recreates the beauty of the ancient Silk Road with inspiration from the famous Mogao Cave murals.
The parade will start at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and travel through Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road, ending at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers. The main event begins at 8:00 p.m., but from 6:00 p.m., there will be pre-parade performances with juggling, magic shows, dance, and music by 18 local groups to create a festive atmosphere.
Nine beautifully decorated floats will be a major highlight, featuring Hong Kong’s iconic symbols. These include panda mascots paired with Hong Kong-style milk tea and designs inspired by the city’s skyline. Other floats will display Lunar New Year themes, such as windmills, flowers, and couplets with good luck messages, creating a vibrant and joyful experience.
To extend the celebration, HKTB has partnered with the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival. From January 30 to February 13, the parade’s floats and performance stage will move to Lam Tsuen Wishing Square in Tai Po. Visitors can see the floats up close and enjoy special performances by groups from the parade.
HKTB is also offering a helpful Lunar New Year travel guide on its website. This guide includes details about city-wide events, such as the night parade on day one, a fireworks show on day two, Chinese New Year Raceday on day three, and the Chinese New Year Cup on day four. It also highlights temple visits, fairs, and other attractions to help visitors fully experience the festive culture of Hong Kong during Lunar New Year.