The lion dance troupe prepares for the return of the Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco
“This is a traditional eye point ceremony where we bring the lion and this year we have a dragon that we bring to life.” Said Anthony Shiu, the troupe’s founder said.
The troupe has performed at San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade every year since 1988. After COVID canceled last year’s parade, they are coming back to life with the parade, which will be held on February 19.
ABC7 News anchor Dion Lim had the honor of “waking up” one of the two lions on Saturday.
At the event, there was also a dragon that holds special significance. Shiu named it after Jasper Wu, the little boy who was shot and killed on I-880 in Oakland last November. Under the eyes of his grandmother and grandfather, Jasper dotted the eyes of the dragon Jasper. Community members also burned incense and paid their respects.
RELATED: Family Holds Funeral for Jasper Wu, Toddler Killed in Oakland I-880 Shooting
Anthony Shiu says the lion dance and these traditions run in his blood.
“I’ve always wanted to do it since I was little… I only started doing it in high school. Even though I’m 60, I still play and today I will play a little.”
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