Chinese New Year Parade

Last weekend was the first time I attended the Chinese New Year Parade. I’ve always watched it on TV for many years, so it was especially exciting to see it person to enjoy the festivities. The Parade along with the Community Street Fair wrapped up a 2-week celebration of Chinese New Year. While Chinatown is always crowded, it was especially packed due to visitors for the Chinese New Year events. So getting there a few hours before the parade is a definite must. In doing so, you’ll also get to enjoy the street fair as well.

The parade started in Downtown at 5:15pm and makes its way to Chinatown, ending around 8pm. I viewed it at the end of the route and waited an hour for the first group to come our way.  This year is the Year of the Sheep/Ram/Goat. There are sightings of our local politicians, school marching bands, floats, dragons, lions dancers, and lots of sheep. It is good idea to protect young kids’ ears from the noise of firecrackers and drums. Overall, the spectacles were a blast! My favorite parts were seeing the kids dressed in sheep costumes and grand finale. At the end of the parade, all the loin dancers came out, performing stunt on vertical poles, and a 201 feet long Golden Dragon wrapped around the street with smoke, firecrackers, and confetti!

For more information: http://www.chineseparade.com/
http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/events/chinesenewyearparade.html