Hong Kong ushered in the Year of the Horse with vibrant festivities on the first day of the Lunar New Year. On the evening of February 17, the city lit up with the much-anticipated Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, featuring flamboyant floats and thrilling live performances by both local and international troupes.
Themed around the majestic qualities of the horse, the parade aimed to symbolize strength, speed, and renewal, resonating with traditional New Year blessings. Starting from 6:00 PM, spectators enjoyed pre-parade street performances, followed by the main float procession from 8:00 PM to 9:45 PM, stretching from the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza to the Sheraton Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Apart from the parade, locals embraced a series of cherished customs to mark the New Year. Upon waking, younger family members paid respects to their elders with well-wishes such as "Good health," "Longevity," and "Prosperity," receiving red packets (lai see) in return—a symbol of blessings and fortune.
As Hong Kong families visited friends and neighbors, they exchanged traditional greetings including:
- Kung Hei Fat Choi (Wishing you great wealth)
- Sun Nin Fai Lok (Happy New Year)
- Wishing you prosperity and peace
Festive Do's and Don'ts
To invite the best fortune in the new year, many people observed festive taboos on the first day:
✅ Do:
- Wear new clothes, especially in red, gold, or vibrant colors, to enhance energy and joy.
❌ Avoid:
- Washing hair (it symbolizes washing away good luck)
- Sweeping floors (associated with sweeping away wealth)
- Breaking objects
- Waking sleeping people abruptly or napping during the day
- Using unlucky or negative words
The Chinese believe these actions may affect one's luck and fortune for the entire year.
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Beyond red packets: HK's essential Spring Festival do's & don'ts
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