Awkwafina will be the Grand Marshal of the San Francisco 2024 Chinese New Year Parade. The Golden Globe winner will kick off the Year of the Dragon by lighting the ceremonial opening firecrackers.
Awkwafina, whose given name is Nora Lum, expressed her excitement about being named Grand Marshal, “It’s such an honor to serve as Grand Marshal of the San Francisco Lunar New Year Parade! I’m so excited to celebrate with our community.” The Kung Fu Panda 4 star was born in the year of the dragon, and as such, added, “Having been born in the year of the dragon, I look forward to fostering growth and progress that the upcoming year will bring for us.”
The New York native, who has appeared and participated in major films such as Shang Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings, Ocean’s 8, and The Little Mermaid, will follow in the footsteps of other fellow stars leading this parade, including Michelle Yeoh in 2018 and Daniel Wu in 2022.
Mayor Willie Brown is joining Awkwafina to usher in the Year of the Dragon as Honorary Marshal of the parade.
Lunar New Year begins February 10, and this year’s celebrations will run from January 28 through March 3 with the theme “Embracing the Dragon Within.” The festival will include a public art project, the Year of the Dragon Parade, and street fairs, among other events.
The Chinese New Year Parade will take place on February 24 at 5:15 p.m.
