- When: Saturday, February 23, 2008 - 5:30pm.
- Celebrating the Year of the Rat; Lunar Year 4706.
- Parade route begins on Market and Second; ends on Kearny.
- Get there early for a good viewing spot.
- Bleacher seats are available for purchase.
- Call 415.391.9680 or 415.982.3000 for information.
- Mini-Parade: Kicks things off February 2, 10:30 a.m.
It all started in the 1860's...
Being one of San Francisco's most historic neighborhoods, Chinatown is a natural destination for visitors. Adjacent to North Beach and close to many other city attractions, Chinatown is a great place to start a walking tour or meet friends for lunch. With its array of shops offering souvenirs, trinkets, and gifts, delicious pastries, and noodles, this is an area of town you could definitely spend a full day in - and likely will. But imagine if you were here during the Lunar New Year?
More than 140 years old, the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade is a true tradition, and not only for those of Chinese heritage, but for everyone in the city. Look to the crowds during the parade, or what's more, look at the participants in the parade, and you'll find a diverse mix of people, all of whom take pride in being part of the festivities.
When it first started in the 1860's, the celebration was intended to help educate the community about the Chinese culture. The fact that it has endured for close to 150 years is a testament to its creators' success. Today, the festival and parade is the largest celebration of Asian culture outside of Asia. San Francisco is dedicated to keeping that title.
Dragons, dancing lions and fireworks...
Like any parade, the Chinese New Year Parade features its share of floats, including one with the newly-crowned Miss Chinatown USA. But the parade is indeed a reflection of the Chinese culture, and thus one of the great things about it is seeing all of the traditional costumes, the displays of martial arts, the play dragons and dancing lions. The music, complements of marching bands and a well-wired sound system, is also a treat. The combination of wind instruments and drums creates an amazing sound that reverberates through the chilly San Francisco air.
And did we mention fireworks? Yes, fireworks can always be heard exploding throughout the night, complete with smoke and an unmistakable smell, evocative smell. Just a few more elements that make this parade experience unique.
One of the biggest draws remains the "Golden Dragon", controlled by a synchonized team of more than 100 men and women trained in the martial arts. Always a crowd favorite, the dragon and the adorable dancing lions are reason enough to attend, but in truth, the entire experience of a celebration dating back to just after the Gold Rush, is pretty cool.
Did we say "cool"?
One thing to consider when attending the parade is that sometimes the weather is uncooperative, but it's still possible to enjoy the goings-on. As long as the participants in the parade are willing to continue, then the audience is usually game as well. It's still a good idea to know the night's forecast if at all possible, as it's better to be prepared with an umbrella than get caught in the night drizzle. But, don't worry. Rain doesn't always play spoiler, and chances are better than not you'll be able to attend on a clear, crisp night.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce has served as parade director since 1958.
* Photo reprinted with permission of Corbett Lee.
