SAN FRANCISCO—The city of San Francisco celebrated the Chinese New Year with it’s annual parade on Saturday, February 11.

The Chinese New Year of the Rooster was greeted with a grand parade that kicked off around 5:20 p.m. at San Francisco’s Union Square, amid heavy security.

A sunny Saturday, after weeks of rains, led to thousands gather and crowd the streets to witness the parade. Several hundred fireworks were lit to begin the parade, which carried a vast array of attractions, including a large electronically lit up ‘Rooster Exhibit’ on the wheels.

Large animated dragons glided across the streets, an entire band marched to the tune of “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars and groups of children showcased their martial arts moves.

The parade’s special feature was the 268 Golden Dragon, also known as the ‘gum lung.’ The dragon was carried by over 100 men and women from the martial arts group ‘White Crane.’

Miss Chinatown 2017 and her court dressed in shimmery gowns, fashioning their winning sashes and crowns, they waved to the onlookers.

The parade was organized by San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Southwest Airlines.