HONG KONG, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Nine floats featuring tourism highlights of the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, together with 25 performing troupes from around the world, on Tuesday staged a night parade here to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The International Chinese Lunar New Year Night Parade, held every year in Hong Kong's Tsim Sha Tsui, was estimated to attract about 150,000 spectators from around the world.

Several world famous performing groups were invited for the first time to this event, including Junior New System, a Filipino all-male dancing group with their signature high heels and Face Team Acrobatic Korfball, a Hungarian fancy slam-dunk basketball team that holds 10 Guinness World Records.

The parade kicked off at 8 p.m. by the float of Hong Kong-based airlines Cathay Pacific, with energetic drumming and dynamic dances by cabin crew.

Several of the floats were with special designs to celebrate the Year of the Pig. On the float of the parade's organizer, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), 10 cute piglets in festive costumes showcased traditional local activities during the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Carrie Lam, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said at the beginning of the parade that this multicultural pageant "annually thrills not only locals but also visitors from around the world."

"As fabulous as the parade promises to be, there's more to come in the days and nights ahead, as Hong Kong's Chinese New Year celebration continues through the New Year, with a fireworks extravaganza, a well-wishing festival, brilliant lantern displays and much more," she said to spectators.

"I welcome every one of you to celebrate with us."