Cal Poly Mustang Marching Band to Perform in Chinese New Year Parade Feb. 20 in San Francisco

The Cal Poly Mustang Marching Band has been invited to participate for the third consecutive year in the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade on Saturday, Feb. 20, in San Francisco.

Started in the 1860s by the Chinese community in San Francisco to educate and share their culture with the greater community, the parade and festival have grown to be the largest celebration of Asian culture outside of Asia. The parade was named one of the top 10 parades in the world by the International Festivals and Events Association.

The Mustang Marching Band’s more than 210 members perform for nearly 50 occasions on campus each year, including athletic events and university functions. The band performed for the Chinese New Year Parade for the first time two years ago and was among 15 marching bands that participated. It was awarded first place in its category both times.

The parade will celebrate the “Year of the Monkey” with floats, dragon dancers and other festive entries. Over 1 million attendees are expected to line the parade route, and the event will be broadcast live on local television stations KTVU Fox 2 and KTSF Channel 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 20.