New Year's Parade is observed in several countries across the world.
However, nothing beats the gaiety and enthusiasm of New Year's Day
Parade as seen in London and San Francisco. Given here is a glimpse of
the vibrant colors of New Year's Parade of London and New Year Parade in
Chinatown. Enjoy!!
New Year's Day Parade of London
The New Year's Day Parade of London is an immensely popular and highly
participated colorful event. The annual parade is being held since 1987
and has grown in popularity over the years. More than 10,000 performers
participate in the parade and it takes more than 2 hours for the full
parade to pass by. The event is internationally popular and people from
US, Japan, South Africa and the Caribbean come to be a part of gala
London New Year Parade. Some of the most attractive feature of New
Year's Day parade have been mentioned below.
- The Parade is made lively by the active participation of marching
bands and cheerleaders from countries across the globe.
- The giant balloons and inflatables ranging from Noddy to Buddy
and other cartoon characters are the most attractive feature of the
parade for the kids.
- Many different cultures are represented in the London New Year
Parade. From Indian, to Red Indian, to West Indian, Chinese dragons
and dancers etc.
- Various means of transport including horses, elephants, are also
displayed in the parade.
- The music band wishes Happy New Year to the crowd which line up
the entire route of the Parade.
- Collectors along the route accept voluntary donations from the
onlookers and help raise money for various charities.
- Corporate sector utilizes the popularity of the extravagant
parade by running a rigorous advertising campaign along the parade
route.
New Year Parade in Chinatown
Scintillating Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is ranked one of
the top ten parades in the world.
Brief History of the Chinese New Year Parade
In 1849, with the discovery of gold and the ensuing California Gold
Rush, along with others many Chinese came to San Francisco to seek a
better way of life. By the 1860's, the Chinese were eager to share their
culture with those who were unfamiliar with it. They chose favorite
American tradition - the Parade to showcase their culture. Nothing like
it had ever been done in their native China. They invited a variety of
other groups from the city to participate, and they marched down
carrying colorful flags, banners, lanterns, and drums and firecrackers
to drive away evil spirits.
Attractions of Chinese New Year Parade
Over the years, the Parade has grown to be the largest celebration of
Asian culture outside of Asia. High points of Chinese New Year Parade
include:
- The Parade is made colorful through gorgeous floats, elaborate
costumes, ferocious lions, firecrackers, Chinese acrobatics and of
course the newly crowned Miss Chinatown U.S.A. and her court.
- A crowd favorite is the spectacular 201 Golden Dragon (Gum Lung).
It takes a team of over 100 men and women from the martial arts
group, to carry this dragon throughout the streets of San Francisco.
- The parade also features the current year's Chinese zodiac sign.
- Thousands of onlookers come to participate in the electrifying
parade which is widely covered by the media.
