Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year celebrations: 400,000 revellers, fireworks and more

The annual night parade will start at 8pm at the Cultural Centre’s piazza. Floats will head along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road before reaching the finishing point outside the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.

The Tourism Board on Monday offered a preview of what would be on display during the “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade”, such as floats that would feature the city’s six pandas and others by the Jockey Club, Disneyland and Cathay Pacific Airways.

The event, under the theme of “Unfold a Year of Good Fortune”, held a preview and a rehearsal on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

The pre-parade street party on Wednesday night will feature 55 groups of performers, marking an increase from previous years.

The performers include a marching band, magicians, ballet dancers and cosplayers.

Representatives from Malayalam Academy, an Indian community association will also take part. The group will showcase south Indian culture through colourful dances, musical performances and costumes.

Flight attendants Karen Lam Ching-man and Lenni Liu were among the crew members picked to walk with Cathay Pacific’s float, which will feature the airline’s signature green colour prominently.

“The main theme is about being together with your family,” said Lam, who will be taking part for the first time.

“We hope the people of Hong Kong and tourists from around the world gather with their loved ones during the Lunar New Year and welcome the coming year.”

Parade veteran Liu said she and her colleagues had practised their walk for five days and were “very excited”.

Chinese illustrator Sija Hong was invited to create illustrations for the Tourism Board’s float. They will be displayed on a giant revolving lantern atop the snake-themed float.

“I didn’t use too many colours that are traditionally related to the new year, such as red or gold,” she said.

“Instead, I chose more pastel colours such as pinks and light blues that feel younger, and I hope I can give people a sense of vitality when they see it.”

Hong’s drawings will evoke scenes of the city, including people visiting Lunar New Year markets and watching horse racing.

Keep your cat happy at home while you’re away for Lunar New Year

Approximately 400,000 revellers are expected to gather at Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour to watch a 23-minute fireworks display for the Lunar New Year on Thursday.

The fireworks display is set to start lighting up the sky above Victoria Harbour at 8pm. A combined 23,888 fireworks shells will be launched from three barges.

The facades of HSBC’s headquarters in Central and the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai will also present an LED light show to complement the fireworks.

Revellers can enjoy the sights and sounds from the main vantage points at Tsim Sha Tsui, Mid-Levels, Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, the East Coast Park Precinct and the Hung Hom Bypass.

Authorities said on Monday they would enforce extensive road closures during the fireworks show on the second day of Lunar New Year. Major roads near the waterfront will start to close for traffic in phases from as early as 5pm that day.

The police have also pledged to take strict action against boat crew members who operate their vessels under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Marine police warned of increased patrols to ensure safety for those enjoying the display on board vessels in the harbour.

Crew members could be subject to breath or drug tests to check for the presence of alcohol or narcotics. Those who fail the tests could face a maximum fine of HK$25,000, three years in jail and the loss of their qualifications, according to the Marine Department.