International Performing Groups
The Arabians, Spain
Arabic culture has existed in Spain for hundreds of years. This group
was formed in 1978 with the aim of spreading Arabic history and
traditions in Spain. The Arabians take part in festivities in Spanish
cities, such as Valencia and Barcelona, every year and have also taken
part in festivals in Germany, France and Italy. This is their first
appearance in Hong Kong. During the Parade, they will play the
kettledrum and the dolçaina – a typical Spanish musical instrument that
produces a very unique sound. The rhythm of percussion, along with
the group’s colourful costumes, which are inspired by ancient Spanish
culture and the country’s Muslim past, will certainly impress the
audience.
Website: www.internationalshowparade.com
Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders and Mascots, USA*
As the symbols and representatives of the teams competing in the
National Football League (NFL), the Official Mascots bring good luck to
their players.
During American football games, each Mascot
demonstrate their support and enthusiasm by energetically rallying the
crowd in unique ways. Together with the teams’ cheerleaders, they
also spread the spirit of fun and support not only during football games,
but also throughout their respective communities by taking part in local
events and charitable activities. The NFL Mascots will join the
Cheerleaders in this year’s Parade, where they will show their agility
and exuberance to Hong Kong people.
Website: www.azcardinals.com
EMPRESS Stiltdance, New Zealand *
Founded in 1996, EMPRESS Stiltdance is a creative, colourful
all-female group from Melbourne, Australia and Wellington, New
Zealand. During the Parade, the EMPRESS will dance gracefully to
Samba rhythms, with the theme of the rising sun. To depict the glory of
sunrise, which also symbolises the start of a new year, 14 performers
will dress in different colours and walk on stilts of varying heights.
Starting with red at the ground level, they will appear in gold and yellow,
and finally rise to the top in white. And to highlight the warmth of
sunshine, they will greet spectators along the Parade route with their
lovely faces and smiles!
Website: www.stiltdance.co.nz
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International Performing Groups
Flemingo Dance Group, Spain *
Supported by generations of young people, the Flemingo Dance Group
has been in existence for more than 50 years. Its main objective is to
extol the culture and the purest traditions of Andalusia, with its
indisputable influence on the music and dance of the 18th century – the
origin of Flamenco – that continues strongly to influence the Spanish
character of today. The group’s wonderful performances are extremely
popular in South America, the Middle East, Europe and have been
shown on television in Spain, France, Italy and Germany. This Spanish
folk group will impress the audience with its beautiful Flamenco dance
during the Parade.
Website: www.internationalshowparade.com
Fralinger String Band, USA*
The Fralinger String Band was formed on 18 December 1915 in
Philadelphia, offering members the opportunity to share their musical
and performance talents. Over the years, the band has participated in
many community parades and concerts, and has won the first prize in
the Philadelphia Mummers Parade in four consecutive years since
2003. The string band will march in colourful and elaborate costumes,
and play and dance to upbeat music to entertain the crowd during the
Parade.
Website: www.fralinger.org
Hainan Provincial Tourism Administration, China*
Hainan Provincial Tourism Administration is first time in Hong Kong’s
Parade. Haikou City Art Company （海口市藝術團）, which produces
and performs musicals featuring Hainan Province’s ethnic minorities, is
the only professional music and dance group in Haikou City. Since its
establishment, it has received special awards from the government for
its outstanding performances on various occasions, and in 2006, they
twice received the special award for cultural promotion in Hainan
Province. Its members, including male and female dancers, as well as
traditional Li Tribe music players and singers, are all selected from art
schools around China. . As well as appearing in different charity and
cultural shows organised by China Central Television and provincial
authorities, the troupe is often invited to perform at functions for local
and foreign dignitaries in Haikou City and Hainan Province.
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International Performing Groups
The heart of Korea, Gyeonggi Province
Since the Gyeonggi Province Dance Company was founded in 1993,
the group has given more than 2,000 performances to five million
people both in Korea and overseas, spreading the traditions and
uniqueness of Korean dancing. Their renowned performance involves a
form of traditional farmer’s drum dance, which combines music, dance
and fun. The group will dance and play traditional instruments that
represent different aspects of nature to wish for good weather and
fortune. The exciting rhythm and movements make this special farm
music and performance highly energetic and entertaining.
Website: http://dance.ggac.or.kr
Igugu Lakwa Zulu-Natal Cultural Group, South Africa*
The Cultural Group, which comprises traditional African dancers, a
guitar band and the Isichathamiya vocal group, performs different
musical genres of Africa. Guitars, drum kits and traditional Zulu drums
will be the main instruments for the Parade, during which the performers
will sing aloud and invite audience along the parade route to dance with
them. Their high-energy dance and rhythmic drum beat fully epitomise
authentic South African culture.
Kurosaki Gion Yamagasa Floats Festival, Japan
The Kurosaki Gion Yamagasa Floats Festival originated some 400
years ago and was revived in 1947. The Festival’s performing group has
extensive experience in staging performances in mega-events, such as
the Fukuoka Festival and Osaka Midosuji Parade, It also performed in
Australia and Hawaii. Following the rhythm of bass drums, snare drums,
small tambourines and a triton pipe, energetic young men vigorously
push the colourful float. The illuminated float will be decorated with
traditional Japanese warrior “samurai” to symbolise good health in the
New Year. The meandering and spinning movements, along with the
illuminations, promise to be a colourful spectacle.
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International Performing Groups
La ‘Pena Del Sol’, Spain *
The group was established in 1988 by Mrs Conchita Mercader to be a
showcase of her creations around the world. Since then, the group
has performed in various parts of Europe, and is renowned for its
elegance, make-up and choreography.
The performance and
choreography of La Pena Del Sol represent Spain’s sunny climate and
warm weather. Beautiful dancers will showcase their superb dancing
skills in colourful traditional Spanish costumes, and greet spectators
with their friendly smiles.
Website: www.internationalshowparade.com
Royal New Zealand Air Force, Base Auckland Band, New
Zealand *
The band was established by the Royal New Zealand Air Force base in
Auckland in 1940 to perform at the Air Force ceremonial activities and
other public occasions. All players are part-time members of the Air
Force, and they have paraded for the British Royal Family on many
occasions. This is the Band’s first trip to Hong Kong, as well as their first
performance overseas. The fun and entertaining marching band
performance represents the young and diverse culture of New Zealand.
As well as playing happy tunes, all members will be dressed in
ceremonial uniforms.
Sendai Sparrow Dance team with Sendai Tanabata Display,
Japan *
Adapted by the Sendai Sparrow Dance Company from a long-forgotten
traditional sparrow dance, the Sendai Suzume Odori is a folk dance that
depicts the movements of skipping sparrows on the ground. It uses
fans, Japanese traditional drums and flutes to mimic the sparrow flutter.
The performers and their float will carry lights and their sparrow mascot
during the Parade. The special combination of peculiar rhythm, splendid
movements and fans, will delight visitors and residents alike!
Website: www.suzume-odori.com / www.sendaitanabata.com
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International Performing Groups
Switzerland Comic Band *
The band was founded in 1998 by Mr Jeannert Christian, who continues
to act as the president of the group. Its main objective is to travel and
entertain in different cities, and it has taken part in many carnivals
around Europe, including France, Spain, Italy and Belgium. The musical
band will perform popular and powerful music during the Parade. All the
bright and colourful costumes, which carry the theme of “The Sea”, are
created by the performers.
Website: www.internationalshowparade.com
Tourism Authority of Thailand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is pleased to participate in this year’s
Chinese New Year Parade. The group is experienced in performing in
major events in Thailand. Its performance depicts traditional Thai
beliefs.
During the Parade, the group will perform a dance.
Accompanied by drums and gongs, it signifies joy and happiness for a
new year.
Website: www.amazingthailand.org.hk
Yunnan Tourism Administration, China*
The Yunnan Tourism Administration is pleased to present a spectacular
show performed by Huayao Yi ethnic performance team of Shi Ping
county. The group comprises amateur artists from the Yi Tribe, and
aims at promoting the culture and art of this ethnic group. As well as
appearing in various shows on China Central Television and in different
provinces and events, its amateur artists have performed in the
Netherlands, the United States and many European countries. Their
joyful singing and dancing, as well as special costumes, as can be seen
in the skilful women dragon dance and unique tobacco box dance,
showcase the happiness and cultural spirit of the Yunnan ethnic
minorities as they welcome the arrival of spring.
Website: www.yunnantourism.com.cn
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