SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Every year, fireworks are a big part of the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade, but this year, there is a modern twist. Drones will illuminate the city’s skies to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
The Chinese New Year parade brings out thousands of people to the streets of San Francisco. Many people watch for the gorgeous floats, lion dances and performers.
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But after the mile-long parade, the show keeps going in the sky!
And rather than the traditional fireworks display, for the first time, a massive drone show will wow the crowds over the waterfront.
Paul Omps says his company, Pixis Drones, has been busy coordinating with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco to plan out the perfect display.
“We work really closely with our clients to figure out the story they want to show in the sky for the all the viewers of the parade. And we turn that into a show into drone formations which fly for 8 minutes and it’s just a back and forth collaboration so we get across the story they want to tell,” said Omps.
That story, of course, will include images in the sky that celebrate 2026.
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Told by 500 coordinated drones.
“2026 is the year of the horse, you’ll see additional imagery, which is important for the Chinese culture, likely to see a dragon, maybe drums and a preview of next year’s animal as well,” said Omps.
A drone show that’s sure to excite people of all ages… on one of San Francisco’s biggest nights.
You’ll hear the oohs and aahs for sure when the drones make their formations.
“The biggest thing is we want people to take out their phones and start hitting record, said Omps.
ABC7 Eyewitness News is the official broadcast partner of the San Francisco Chinese New Year parade. Catch all the action starting at 5 p.m., March 7, wherever you stream ABC7.
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