Spectacular parade held in Hong Kong to celebrate arrival of Chinese New Year

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region held a grand international parade featuring nine spectacular floats and performing groups from around the world on Wednesday night to celebrate the arrival of the 2025 Chinese New Year on the day.   Themed "Unfold a Year of Good Fortune," the parade was organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. As the signature annual event on the first day of the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, the parade kicked off a host of seasonal events across the region.

A total of 55 performing groups from 14 countries and regions showcased a variety of performances, including traditional and modern dances, martial arts, and acrobatics, at the parade.   Among the nine floats, some featured elements of giant pandas and the zodiac snake, as the Chinese lunar year of 2025 is a Year of the Snake. During the intervals between the float appearances, performers from around the world delivered enchanting and passionate performances, wishing everyone a prosperous Year of the Snake.

The zodiac snake ranks the 6th in the cycle of 12 zodiac animals on the Chinese calendar.

"This year, being a Year of the Snake, carries a particularly strong New Year atmosphere. Both residents and tourists are filled with joy. During the Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake, I wish for a harmonious society in Hong Kong, where people from all walks of life unite to embrace a brighter future. I also wish for prosperity for our country and its people," said Pun Kwan-yu, a resident in Hong Kong.   "On the evening of the first day of the Chinese New Year, the float parade and performing groups presented a spectacular international joint performance for everyone. I wish for a prosperous economy and a harmonious society in Hong Kong. I also wish for our great motherland to enjoy favorable conditions and prosperity, and for the people to live in peace," said Ng Tang, president of the Hong Kong Shanxi Union Community Limited.   At 20:00, the parade began at the Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza and then proceeded through Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road before concluding at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.   After the event, the floats and performance stage will be displayed at another location in Hong Kong for people to experience the fusion of cultural arts and to share the joy and beauty of the festival.

Spectacular parade held in Hong Kong to celebrate arrival of Chinese New Year

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela