John Lee: Lunar New Year fireworks display to light up Victoria Harbour tonight

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, John Lee, at the 2024 International Chinese New Year Night Parade last night (Feb. 10):

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

And there's 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's only the beginning!

On the night of Feb. 11, it's 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.

Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the parade and the parties. Enjoy it all. Only in Hong Kong.

Thank you, and have a great Year of the "Loong", of the Dragon!