Chief Executive John Lee

To our friends and visitors from around the world, Happy Chinese New Year! Welcome to Hong Kong's International Chinese New Year Night Parade.

I am thrilled to be here, with you, for one of the most spectacular, most anticipated, Chinese New Year celebrations in the world. 

We are all here to welcome the Year of the "Loong". In Chinese culture, the "loong" - people usually call it the dragon - symbolises nobility, good fortune and vitality. It is going to be a year of auspicious opportunities, and dragon-sized blessings for us all!

And there is no better way to celebrate this first day of the year than with Hong Kong's world party, a night parade filled with fantastic floats, alongside more international performing groups and stars than this sparkling extravaganza has ever seen before.

And as dazzling, as unforgettable, as this evening promises, it is only the beginning! 

Tomorrow night, it is the annual Lunar New Year fireworks spectacular, lighting up our Victoria Harbour. And Hong Kong's vibrant, East-meets-West culture, will keep you dragon-dancing, day and night.

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the 2024 International Chinese New Year Night Parade on February 10.