2006 Discover Hong Kong

The Year of the Dog will be celebrated with extra colour and excitement as the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade is set to take place on the first evening of Chinese New Year on 29 January 2006 at the Tamar Site on Hong Kong Island. 

To commemorate the 10^th anniversary of this signature event, which is also the first Mega Event of 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is introducing more international and distinctive local elements to the Parade, which promises a true meeting of cultures and world-class entertainment.

The Parade is the first in the HKTB’s expanded Mega Event programme in 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year.  For the eighth consecutive year, Cathay Pacific Airways Limited will be the Parade’s title sponsor.  This year also marks the airline’s 60^th anniversary, another good reason for celebration. 

Crossover of International & Local Cultures

To tie in with 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year, the HKTB has chosen the theme “Moments of Discovery” for the Parade.  The five segments, namely Discover the Magic, Discover the Excitement, Discover the Heritage, Discover the Serenity and Discover the Sensations, will highlight Hong Kong’s unique strengths and diverse appeal.

Altogether 40 groups are participating in the Parade, including 9 international and local floats, and 15 overseas and 16 local performing groups.  In keeping with Hong Kong’s reputation as Asia’s world city, the HKTB has invited performing troupes from all five continents, many have participated in world-class events before.

Of these, 11 – the largest number ever – are making their first appearance in Hong Kong including the Tumanako Maori Cultural Performing Group, representing Australia and New Zealand. Tumanako’s 44 members, who are based in Auckland and Sydney, will perform a variety of song and dance routines.

Another highlight will be the HKTB float, which is based on the winning entry of a float design competition jointly organised by the HKTB and Hong Kong Designers Association.  A showcase of local designers’ creative talents, the elaborately decorated float echoes the theme of “Moments of Discovery”, and highlights Hong Kong’s wonderful attractions.

The HKTB has published a 2006 Chinese New Year Celebrations Activities Guide for visitors.  Other celebratory programmes include the flower market, the Lunar New Year fireworks display, and the Guinness World Record-winning “A Symphony of Lights”, which will be enhanced with pyrotechnic effects during the Lunar New Year holiday. 

The HKTB will also distribute the 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year Bonus Guide to visitors, which features a host of offers and privileges. For more information on the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade visitors can contact the HKTB Sydney Office on 02 9283 3083 or 1800 251 071.

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