Lion (dancers), dragons and firecrackers, oh my! Here’s your guide to the big parade.
The Year of the Pig is upon us. The last time we heard a squeal of good fortune from this 12th and final sign of the Chinese zodiac was 2007.
San Francisco’s Chinese community and chamber of commerce will mark the occasion, as they do every February, by hosting a Chinese New Year Festival and Parade — a tradition since just after the Gold Rush. This event reigns as the largest such celebration outside Asia. And it’s one of the few illuminated nighttime parades in the world.
So you have to check this one off your bucket list.
But advance planning is key — especially if you are a first-timer among the hundreds of thousands of other spectators expected to line the parade route. Want to check out the other events? There are festivities scheduled for every weekend in February. Here’s a guide, including some great insider tips: PARADE ROUTE >> The parade, which is sponsored by Southwest Airlines, steps off at 5:15 p.m. Feb. 23 at Second and Market streets and heads west, turning onto Geary Street. The route goes through the heart of Union Square, turning right on Powell Street, then makes a quick right on
Post Street to loop back.
The final turn, a left on Kearny Street, takes the parade down a long stretch into Chinatown. Total time: About 2.5 hours. A street fair will be held all day before the parade and all day the day after, Feb. 24.
GOOD VANTAGE POINTS >> Union Square is a wildly popular spot, parade PR coordinator William Gee says, so arrive early if that’s where you want to plant yourself. His best suggestion: Act quickly to reserve one of the 2,800 bleacher seats located on either Post Street or Kearny Street. You’ll get a good view from the tiered seating plus you’ll be near the parade emcee. All of the bleacher sections have wheelchair spots at no cost (but guests need to purchase a regular ticket). Tickets, $35, at www. chineseparade.com/tickets.
GETTING THERE >> There aren’t enough Uber and Lyft drivers to ferry everyone to Chinatown, so your best bet is public transportation, whether that be BART from the East Bay or Caltrain from the Peninsula. The parade website lists those options, plus nearby parking garages (some have discounted parade rates). Keep in mind: If you are driving in, do so early to avoid street closures and be prepared to stay late, Gee says.
THE FORECAST >> Doesn’t matter. Rain or shine, the parade will go on. Dress appropriately.
MISS CHINATOWN >> Young women from throughout the United States will come to San Francisco to compete in the annual Miss Chinatown USA pageant. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Palace of Fine Arts theater, 3301 Lyon St.
DETAILS >> Find all the February events at www. chineseparade.com.