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.
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.”
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.
