CARIBANA INVITED TO HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL CHINESE NEW YEAR NIGHT PARADE 2004

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has invited Caribana to represent Canada in Hong Kong’s International Chinese New Year Night Parade on January 22, 2004, it was announced by Aliana Ho, Director – Eastern USA, Canada and South America, HKTB at a press luncheon in a downtown Toronto hotel today. Special guest Toronto Mayor elect David Miller was present at the Sneak Preview of Hong Kong’s International Chinese New Year NIGHT Parade while the 2004 Chinese Monkey King,Caribana and martial arts action performers animated the dim sum reception.

In making the announcement, Aliana Ho, remarked that the annual International Chinese New Year Parade in Hong Kong, celebrating the first day of the Chinese Year of the Monkey, is the largest parade of its kind in the world. 2004 will be the first year the parade is held at night  and it will be even more spectacular with the participation of Toronto’s Caribana, against the glittering backdrop of Victoria Harbour.

Bassanio So, Director: Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Canada) added, “It will be an elaborate and sophisticated showcase of the East and West cultural mix as well as an exchange between Hong Kong and Toronto.”

To celebrate the approaching Year of the Monkey, Mayor elect Miller was presented with a giant fortune cookie containing his horoscope for 2004 (he was born in the Year of the Dog). He spoke proudly of Toronto’s Afro-Caribbean community’s achievement in gaining such high-profile international renown.

John Kam, President of the Caribbean Cultural Committee added, “It is only fitting that Caribana, North America’s largest street festival, should be taking part in the largest Asian parade on the planet. We look forward to helping the world mark the Chinese New Year in this friendship parade.”

In closing, Bruce MacMillan, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto, said, “Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world with a rich array of cultural celebrations. We are honoured to have the opportunity to showcase one of our signature experiences, Caribana, to Asia’s world city, Hong Kong. Caribana’s participation at the International Chinese New Year NIGHT Parade is a fabulous calling-card for all to visit Toronto and Hong Kong, two great cities of the world.”

The HKTB is a government-subsidized body responsible for the marketing and promotion of Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide. Its mission is to maximize the social and economic contribution that tourism makes to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class and desirable destination.

November 27, 2003   Posted in: Canada