On February 25, Consul General Hong Lei attended the annual Chinese Lunar New Year Parade in Chicago Chinatown. Lieutenant Governor of Illinois Evelyn Sanguinetti, US Congressman Danny Davis, US Congressman Daniel Lipinski, Illinois State Representative Theresa Mah, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, 25th Ward Alderman Daniel Solis and 11th Ward Alderman Patrick D. Thompson also attended the parade.

At the beginning of the parade, Consul General Hong Lei and other distinguished guests walked on to an observation platform together, waving and greeting more than 60,000 spectators watching the parade along the way.

In his speech, Consul General Hong Lei said he wishes all guests a happy new year. He said that the Chinese Lunar New Year Parade reflects the vitality of the Chicago Chinatown. The event celebrates the ancient tradition of Chinese culture, demonstrates harmony of the Chinese community, and brings the joy of traditional Chinese New Year celebration to Chicago. Consul General Hong Lei wished that the Chicago Chinatown would enter a new year of prosperity. He also wished that China’s relationship with Chicago would grow ever closer and that China-US relations would achieve healthy and stable development in the new year. Finally, Consul General Hong Lei hoped that the Chinese community would live a happy and fulfilling life.

The elected officials attending the parade offered high praise for Chinese community’s contribution to the local society. They emphasized their support to Chicago Chinese Community’s efforts in preserving their Chinese cultural heritage and in promoting the diversity of local communities. They all wished the Chinese community a prosperous new year.

The Chinese Lunar New Year Parade is an important component of Chicago’s “Happy Chinese New Year” events. The parade was held on a sunny day in Chicago. Visitors swarmed into the Chicago Chinatown, and the streets were filled with the sound of Chinese gongs and drums. Dragon and lion dances were performed to celebrate the Chinese New Year. 19 colorful floats decorated with unique symbols of traditional Chinese culture, 28 parade groups, 8 dragons dance and lion dance teams participated in the parade, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere. China’s Consulate General in Chicago sent its own decorated float to lead the parade. And the golden dog decoration on the float won applause from the spectators. Diplomats and staff from the Chinese Consulate shared their new year greetings with spectators along the route, throwing Chinese auspicious knots and puppy dolls to the audience and inviting rounds of cheers along the street.