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Actor Joan Chen, Mayor Lurie celebrate Chinese New Year parade

The marquee celebration, one of the largest outside Asia, draws massive crowds.

Chinese American International School students perform at Saturday’s parade.

Despite competing for attendees with the NBA All-Star Game, San Francisco’s Chinese New Year parade drew massive crowds Saturday night, continuing its legacy as a marquee celebration in the Bay Area Asian community.

Acclaimed Chinese American actor and longtime San Francisco resident Joan Chen served as grand marshal, kicking off the procession as the sun set by lighting firecrackers at Union Square.

Chen is known for the 1987 Academy Award-winning film “The Last Emperor” and starred in the 2024 film “Dìdi,” portraying the mother of a Bay Area teenager in a coming-of-age story.

“This city has been my home and inspiration, and I’m excited to share this moment of renewal and joy with our incredible community,” she said in a statement.

Chen joins an impressive roster of Asian American celebrities who have led the parade, including Golden Globe winner Awkwafina, Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, actor Daniel Wu, Eric Ting, and “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Wicked” director Jon Chu.

Mayor Daniel Lurie joined the celebration as honorary grand marshal. The parade route stretched approximately one mile, beginning at Second and Market streets, looping around Union Square, and proceeding through Chinatown via Kearny Street.

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A smiling couple, with the woman waving, rides in a convertible labeled "Joan Chen Grand Marshal" during a parade, surrounded by spectators.
Joan Chen, grand marshal, waves to onlookers. | Source: Autumn DeGrazia/The Standard
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Two people in Santa outfits are smiling and making a heart shape with their hands while sitting in a red convertible. A crowd is gathered around them.
Supervisor Stephen Sherrill, right, wears a live snake during the procession down Market Street. | Source: Magali Gauthier for The Standard
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A crowd joyfully snaps photos while a man in a white shirt interacts with them. Two children are being held, one on a shoulder, the other in arms.
Mayor Daniel Lurie greets bystanders. | Source: Autumn DeGrazia for The Standard

Kat Anderson, president of the Recreation and Parks Commission, said it was her first time at the parade’s VIP session in front of Macy’s.

“I feel a renewed vigor in Chinatown, and we want to support the community,” she said. “We all feel hopeful that San Francisco is rising like a phoenix out of our Covid ashes.”

Bright yellow sun rays extend from the right, set against a solid light blue background, creating a simple, bold graphic design.

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This year marks a change in television host, with ABC7 taking over from longtime broadcaster KTVU Fox 2. Carrie Ann Inaba, TV personality and dancer, represented the parade’s new broadcast partner.

The event, recognized as the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside Asia and one of the world’s largest nighttime parades, shared the weekend with the NBA All-Star Game. The festivities continue Sunday with a street fair on Grant Avenue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Two people stand on a red carpet surrounded by smoke and bright lights. A camera crew films near a building, and there are festive decorations and a palm tree.
Chen, right, lights firecrackers. | Source: Han Li/The Standard
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