STORY: Hastings Blossom Parade attracts tens of thousands in New Zealand
DATELINE: Sept. 24, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:36
LOCATION: HASTINGS, New Zealand
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the parade

STORYLINE:

Tens of thousands of people lined up the streets in New Zealand's inner city Hastings to see the colorful floats and amazing performances for the Hastings Blossom Parade on Saturday.

A total of 71 magnificent entries threaded their way through the main streets of the city, attracting a crowd of over 25,000 viewers.

The popular event, held annually since 1950, has seen over 1,000 people participating in the parade this year, including drivers, float makers, singers, dancers, parade marshals and clowns from a wide range of cultures representing every corner of the community.

The floats and performances brought people of all ages and cultures together in a colorful, creative, vibrant display.

One of the floats was named after Nihao China, which promotes China's tourism and won the best float of Hastings Blossom Parade 2023, sponsored by the China Cultural Center in Wellington, designed and made by Hastings district councilor and project director Kevin Watkins.

"I am so thrilled with the float I created. It dazzled with color endorsing the strong links Hastings City has established with many cities throughout China, especially through a series of award-winning Hastings China projects," Watkins said.

"I was delighted to carry the China Cultural Center's 'Nihao China' on my float for this special occasion and thank them for their very kind support. I am very confident our friends in China will be thrilled to know today's parade has been an outstanding success," the councilor added.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hastings, New Zealand.
(XHTV)