Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the 2019 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui tonight (February 5):
 
Ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Kung Hei Fat Choi! Happy Chinese New Year! Welcome to the 24th International Chinese New Year Night Parade.
 
     As the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I'm delighted to join you at this Night Parade to celebrate the most jubilant of our Chinese festivals.
 
     A fantastic, multicultural pageant, the parade annually thrills not only locals but also visitors from around the world. Alongside a fanfare of spectacular floats, this year's parade showcases more than 20 performing groups – from Hong Kong and from all over the world – here to dazzle and delight long into the night.
 
     As fabulous as the parade promises to be, there's more to come in the days and nights ahead, as Hong Kong's Chinese New Year celebration continues through the New Year, with a fireworks extravaganza, a well-wishing festival, brilliant lantern displays and much more. I welcome every one of you to celebrate with us.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will enjoy this marvelous, memorable evening. And I wish you all a happy, healthy and rewarding Year of the Pig. Thank you very much.

Ends/Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Issued at HKT 21:22

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