Year of the Dragon: Watch the Chinese New Year Parade

2024 Chinese New Year Parade

Couldn't make it to San Francisco to watch the largest Chinese New Year parade outside of Asia? No worries, KTVU has you covered! Watch the full 2024 Chinese New Year Parade for the Year of the Dragon.

SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco will celebrate the Year of the Dragon during its annual Chinese New Year Parade, with actress, comedian, and rapper Awkwafina serving as the parade's grand marshal.

When is the 2024 Chinese New Year Parade?

Awkwafina will kick off the parade, which begins at 5:15 p.m. on Feb. 24, by lighting the ceremonial opening fireworks. Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown will also participate in the festivities as an honorary marshal.

The Year of the Dragon began on Feb. 10 and is the fifth animal in the Chinese Zodiac. Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, originated thousands of years ago and is celebrated to honor the renewal of nature. It is a time for reunion and gratitude.

The dates of the holiday vary slightly each year, falling between late January and mid-February as it is based on the cycles of the moon.

San Francisco's Chinese community celebrates Year of the Dragon

Community members and merchants in San Francisco Chinatown prepare for the Year of the Dragon on Friday, Chinese New Year's Eve. This holiday period is the most important in the Chinese culture. The traditions are filled with symbolism.

In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes luck, wisdom, strength, and power.

How to watch the parade?

The event will be broadcast live on KTVU FOX 2 and KTVU.com/live or in the video player at the top of this article, starting at 6 p.m. You can also watch on your smart TV by downloading FOX LOCAL and selecting KTVU.

Where is the parade?

Those who want to immerse themselves in the parade festivities have several options. The parade will begin at Market and Second Streets at 5:15 p.m. and end at Kearny and Jackson Streets after following a 1.3-mile route about 2.5 hours later.

Floats for San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade near completion

The Chinese New Years float assembly barn on San Francisco Pier 54, is in full swing, in anticipation of Saturday's parade, the largest Asian cultural event in North America.