SF Chinese New Year Parade lights up downtown with thousands in attendance

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — In Chinese language folklore, firecrackers beat back evil spirits. And after lighting off of a whole lot of firecrackers, this 12 months’s San Francisco Chinese language New Yr Parade started.

Welcome, to the 12 months of the Rabbit.

“We received to see the lion dance and all of the little children which can be dressed up. I really like all of the rabbit floats. So it’s nice,” stated Cyrea Gomez, who lives in San Jose. She got here out together with her daughter.

Organizers need this occasion to entertain, but additionally to teach. From the rabbit floats to the lion dances to the a whole lot of kids representing varied cultural golf equipment, all of the pageantry of Chinese language tradition and custom have been on show.

SF Chinese language group gears up for final weekend of Lunar New Yr festivities

“Largely the dragons and fireworks. That is what I really like!” stated 11-year-old Kainoa Kalama, who attended along with his mom.

“I like all of the coordinated dances by the faculties,” stated Alana Tillery, a Baltimore resident who was in San Francisco on a enterprise journey.

Even the rain, which at occasions was average, wasn’t sufficient to dampen the temper. 1000’s lined the streets of downtown San Francisco alongside the 1.3 mile parade route, which started at Second and Market Streets, ran round Union Sq. and resulted in Chinatown.

“We did not let the rain cease us from having an excellent time and cease us from celebrating Lunar New Yr in San Francisco. That is wonderful and this is without doubt one of the finest parades that occurs right here,” stated San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who was within the parade.

SF Chinese language New Yr Parade to see extra spectators, floats, safety for 12 months of the Rabbit

The truth is, this parade dates again to the 1860s and has turn out to be the most important lunar new 12 months parade exterior of Asia.

California State Senator Scott Wiener, who represents San Francisco, was additionally within the parade. He says the parade is particularly essential this 12 months.

“This parade is extremely essential for San Francisco and the Bay Space, particularly with all the assaults and violence directed at our Asian American communities. All of us have to hyperlink arms and rally round and present solidarity. And enjoyable as a group,” stated Weiner.

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