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The Best Photos From The SF Chinese New Year Parade's Magical Celebration

By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | February 6, 2023 | People Lifestyle Parties City Life News and Features Culture Neighborhoods Culture Feature Holiday Entertainment Local Community

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Despite the wet and windy record-breaking winter conditions, the San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival remained resolute and triumphant on Saturday, February 4th, drawing in thousands to watch the brilliant cultural spectacle. All throughout the month of January, Chinese New Year celebrations have been kicking off around Chinatown- from a flower market to various dance and firecracker showcases, all of which culminated in the grand celebration of the community-beloved parade down Market Streets and Columbus Avenue.

With the festivities' pleasant conjunction with several SF Sketch Fest shows at Chinatown's historic Great Star Theater, this year has truly proven to be remarkably auspicious for the neighborhood's businesses, restaurants, and overall interest in tourism as a globally-recognized destination being America's first Chinatown. From Senator Scott Wiener, to San Francisco Mayor London Breed and actor Rich Ting as the parade's Grand Marshal, there was no absence of local engagement. Here are some of our favorite shots that authentically captured the joy and adoration of the parade's Year of the Rabbit extravaganza shining through the drizzly conditions.

See also: The Ultimate Guide To San Francisco's Chinatown Neighborhood

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A post shared by (@richtingworld)

Effortlessly serving as the Parade and Festival's Grand Marshal, Rich Ting (@richtingworld) is elated and genuinely grateful to represent both the Bay Area and his fellow AAPI community in this treasured and monumental lifetime achievement.

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A post shared by Adam Massey Photography Page (@capturesbyadam)

@capturesbyadam snaps an ornate dragon traditionally associated with the holiday powerfully marching with smooth synchronicity.

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A post shared by London Breed (@londonbreed)

SF Mayor London Breed cheerfully attends the city's celebration fashioned in traditional Chinese qipao while also greeting her local residents with supportive positivity.

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A post shared by Chi Energy (@chi.energy)

A popular aspect of the parade includes all of the cute and charming mascots excited to playfully pose and showcase all of their vivid details, as defined by @chi.energy's photo.

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A post shared by Christine Lee (@christineleecirque)

Though originally planning for an aerial act without rain, Asian-and-female-run circus group The Dahlia's performance was still high-flying and showstopping as posted by @christineleecirque, combining elegant fashion with graceful balancing with mesmerizing contortions!

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A post shared by Justin (@justlai87)

What could be better than ringing in the new year than with a grand wine pairing? @justlai87 captures this comical act with a dragon who we hope didn't have too much!

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A post shared by SF Places • Eats • Vibes (@sanfranciscovibe)

@sanfranciscovibe sums up a medley of all of the most elaborate floats in this helpful montage- which includes a large train, a prosperous Cache Creek landscape, and even a hilariously towering Lucky Supermarket grocery cart!

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A post shared by Scott Strazzante (@scottstrazzanterectangles)

A little rain definitely won't damper the magic of the event, as seen with this devoted and undeterred crowd of well-equipped attendants by @scottstrazzanterectangles.

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A post shared by (@___masita)

Diverse dragons of all shapes, sizes, and ages all cutely decorated the city's main artery of Market Street, as seen by @___masita.

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A post shared by Jason Toy (@the_evologist)

@the_evologist's masterful shot illuminates just how lengthy and brightly colorful this flowy and majestic dragon is as it traverses down the street in perfect coordination.

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A post shared by Chi Energy (@chi.energy)

A fun behind-the-scenes moment from @chi.energy shows a costumed attendee waiting to hop on the metro and hightail it to downtown!

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A post shared by Brian Kolm (@briankolm)

Last but definitely not least, @briankolm magnificently displays the storied animal of this year's central theme- two adorable rabbits gilded in radiant glitter coruscating through the night.

We can't wait to see how amazing the parade is next year, and, although it won't stop SF's heartwarming commitment, hopefully the weather will be more dry!

See also: Long-Awaited Muni Central Subway Opens With Grand Celebration At New Chinatown-Rose Pak Station



Tags: events lifestyle san francisco culture people politics chinese american politician celebrity family web-og community entertainment local parties chinese food kyrie-sismaet Apple News

Photography by: Courtesy of Anadolu Agency/Getty Images