San Francisco rang within the 12 months of the Hearth Horse with its annual Chinese language New 12 months parade Saturday night, with 1000’s of revelers cheering on hometown hero and Olympic champion Eileen Gu as its grand marshal.
The procession featured drums, dancing and floats celebrating the vibrancy of the Chinese language American group within the oldest celebration of its type outdoors Asia and one of many largest.
Civic leaders and performers paraded from downtown to Chinatown by way of popping firecrackers. Youngsters marched sporting inflatable horses whereas lion dancers and martial artists waved to the gang.
The parade was first organized within the 1860s by Chinese language immigrants who got here to work throughout the California Gold Rush and needed to share their tradition by way of a “favorite American tradition,” the parade, based on the occasion web site.
Whereas the celebration all the time attracts huge crowds, attendees had been particularly excited for Gu, who drew loud cheers.
Vanessa Chan of neighboring South San Francisco stated she represents “cultural infusion.”
“She’s really wonderful. … She’s funny, sunny, and she represents positivity,” Chan stated.
Gu appeared partway by way of the parade in a purple gown, sitting in a purple convertible adorned with flowers. The colour is an emblem of fine fortune and prosperity for the Chinese language vacation.
Parade organizer Wiliam Gee stated Gu was picked for the function by the center of final 12 months — earlier than she competed within the 2025 Milan-Cortino Winter Video games, the place she gained two silver medals and one gold, making her essentially the most embellished freestyle skier in Olympic historical past.
“The year of the horse brings a lot of new life and energy,” Gee stated. “She definitely represents Chinese heritage and definitely is an icon.”
Gu has come beneath scrutiny for her resolution to symbolize China in competitors, and Megan Chin, additionally of South San Francisco, stated she felt the Olympian was attacked unfairly.
“When you’re multicultural and you want to celebrate both heritages, it’s great to be happy for someone if they want to celebrate their other heritage as well,” Chin stated. “I am proud of her.”
Calvin Lui, who attended together with his younger son, stated he cherished Gu’s illustration of town the place she was born and raised in addition to her Chinese language heritage.
“That’s her identity, both countries — so she gets the best of both worlds,” Lui stated.
