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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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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@capturesbyadam snaps an ornate dragon traditionally associated with the holiday powerfully marching with smooth synchronicity.
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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 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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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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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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@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 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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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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@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 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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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
Photography by: Courtesy of Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
