Cal Poly Mustang Band Takes First Place in Chinese New Year Parade

The Cal Poly Mustang Band took first place in the marching band category of the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade on March 7 in San Francisco.

Started in the 1860s by San Francisco’s Chinese community to educate and share their culture with the greater community, the parade and festival have grown into 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 Band, with more than 220 members, performs at nearly 50 events on campus each year, including athletic events and university functions. The band won their category at last year’s Chinese New Year Parade. This year more than a dozen marching bands participated.

The parade celebrated the Year of the Ram with floats, lion dancers and other festive entries. The city of San Francisco estimated more than 1 million attendees lined the parade route. The event was broadcast live to a local and international audience.